Urgent search for missing fisherman as NSRI responds to multiple coastal rescues
NSRI crews in action as a Herolds Bay fisherman remains missing, with three others rescued along the coast in just 72 hours.
Image: NSRI/ Supplied
A 70-year-old fisherman remains missing after being swept off rocks at Herolds Bay, as the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responded to multiple other incidents along the coast in just 72 hours.
Rescue crews from NSRI Wilderness and Mossel Bay were activated at 8.47pm on Wednesday following reports that the local man had been swept into the sea while shoreline angling near Voëlklip during the turn of the spring low tide.
NSRI station commander Jonathan Britton said multiple agencies were mobilised, including SA Police Services, Western Cape Government Health EMS and George Fire and Rescue Services.
“On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a local man, age 70, reportedly swept off rocks while shoreline angling during the turn of the Spring low tide,” Britton said.
Rescue swimmers, boats and vehicles were deployed, while an EMS drone and a drone operated by members of the George Community Police Forum assisted in aerial search efforts. Police divers were also activated.
“Fishing gear belonging to the missing man was located and recovered from the water during search efforts,” Britton said.
Despite extensive air, sea and shoreline searches, no sign of the man has been found. Police divers continue search operations, while NSRI lifeguards have been placed on alert to keep a lookout over the Easter weekend.
The incident comes amid warnings of hazardous spring tide conditions along the coastline, which are known to increase tidal range and strengthen currents.
In a separate incident, NSRI Table Bay assisted a foil surfer who got into difficulty offshore after experiencing battery failure. According to the NSRI, the man used the SafeTrx app to share his location, allowing rescuers to reach him approximately two nautical miles offshore.
He was taken safely to shore and required no further assistance.
Along the Garden Route, NSRI Knysna rescued a 44-year-old German tourist who was unable to paddle his sea kayak back through the Heads during an outgoing spring tide. He was brought safely ashore without injury.
In Kleinmond, NSRI crews responded to reports of a swimmer in distress at the main beach. The man, believed to have been training for Ironman South Africa, was caught in rip currents but managed to reach a sandbank and self-rescue before assistance arrived.
The NSRI has repeatedly urged the public to exercise caution during spring tide periods, warning that stronger currents and changing sea conditions can increase the risk for anglers, swimmers and paddlers.
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