Search intensifies for missing young men after New Year drowning incidents

At first light on Friday, 2 January, the harrowing search operation along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline resumed, sparked by a series of tragic drowning incidents that marred New Year’s celebrations. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Rocky Bay, along with the South African Police Services and Umdoni lifeguards, intensified efforts in pursuit of three young men, all believed to be aged 21, who have been reported missing since the early evening of New Year’s Day.

Throughout the morning, searchers combed both the coastline and the waters offshore, driven by hope yet weighed down by sorrow. Friday’s search revealed that four individuals were now confirmed deceased. Among them, an 18-year-old female was found washed ashore on Bazley Beach, a grim discovery made by police. This unfortunate victim had been missing since being caught in rip currents at Pennington Beach during the New Year’s Day festivities.

The unsettling tally related to this series of incidents paints a vivid picture of the tragedy:

• One male, aged 21, was found deceased during the initial search operation on the evening of 1 January.
• One female, aged 18, was rescued on the same evening, suffering no injuries.
• An additional male, also aged 21, was found deceased on the beach near Pennington around 21h30 on New Year’s Day.
• Another female, aged 18, was tragically discovered deceased on Bazley Beach on the morning of 2 January.
• Three males, all believed to be aged 21, remain unaccounted for.

Search operations continued through the day, with strong focus on locating the remaining individuals believed to have fallen victim to the deadly sea conditions. The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the local community, specifically among families and friends who await news with heavy hearts.

In a separate incident, emergency services were activated at 06h20 on the same day following troubling reports from Thompsons Beach in Ballito regarding a 40-year-old man who had gone missing in the surf zone. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the man was swimming with his 13-year-old nephew when they encountered treacherous rip currents. While the teenager was saved by a Good Samaritan, the uncle disappeared beneath the waves.

Efforts to locate the missing man have involved an extensive search operation, including the deployment of NSRI rescue swimmers and a rescue craft from NAU Ballito. KDM lifeguards also joined the search, utilising jet-skis and additional resources as they scoured the waters and shoreline for any sign of the man, yet efforts thus far have proved futile.

The poignant situation serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers the sea can pose, and many are sending thoughts and prayers to all affected by these tragic events. Emergency services remain steadfast in their commitment to rescue operations, as they offer support to the families grappling with the uncertainty and loss during this difficult time.