No sign of child who disappeared in surf

THERE was no sign of a 12-year-old child who went missing while swimming at Strand beach in False Bay, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said yesterday.

NSRI Strand duty crew were activated at 2.36pm on Saturday by the Transnet National Ports Authority following reports of a drowning in progress at Strand beach, NSRI Strand station commander Alan Meiklejohn said. On arrival at the scene, an air, sea and shoreline search for a missing child, believed to be aged 12, commenced.

“The child, reported to be among a group of local friends who were swimming together, was reported by eyewitnesses to have disappeared underwater after appearing to be in difficulty in the surf .

“Despite an extensive search, sadly no sign of the child has been found and a police dive unit are continuing in an ongoing search supported by NSRI Strand, Strand Surf Lifesaving, City’s Law Enforcement Marine and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services dive unit.

Trauma counsellors assisted the family of the missing child and our thoughts are with the family in this difficult time.”