FALSE BAY – In a heart-wrenching incident, a 23-year-old man from Khayelitsha has gone missing after being swept away by strong currents at Monwabisi Beach, False Bay. Despite an extensive search and rescue effort, there are still no signs of the young man.
The City of Cape Town (CoCT) water rescue network was alerted to the incident at 16:10 on Monday, 22 January, following reports from CoCT lifeguards about a drowning in progress. Lifeguards had swiftly launched into the turbulent waters, equipped with Malibu rescue boards, in an attempt to rescue the man who was caught in rip currents. Unfortunately, the situation took a tragic turn when the man disappeared under the water almost immediately after being caught in the currents.
Various emergency response teams were immediately activated to aid in the search operation. CoCT Law Enforcement, WC Government Health EMS rescue squad, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, the South African Police Services, NSRI Strandfontein, and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter all played crucial roles in the coordinated effort.
Despite the challenging sea conditions, rescue services and the helicopter tirelessly searched the area, both in the air and along the shoreline. Regrettably, there have been no signs of the missing man, identified as a 23-year-old from Somalia, currently residing in Khayelitsha.
The South African Police Services Water Policing and Dive Services (SAPS WPDS) were brought in to assist, and police divers are actively involved in an ongoing search operation.
The Cape Navigator extends heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of the missing man during this difficult time. The community remains hopeful for a positive outcome as the search efforts continue, with the collective thoughts and prayers focused on the safe return of the young man swept away by the unforgiving currents off Monwabisi Beach.
