Two men have been swept out to sea in Strand, and search efforts are underway to try to locate them.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the men are believed to have been part of a group who visited the beach Wednesday afternoon, when two members of the group, a 22-year-old from Belhar and a 39-year-old from Mfuleni, got into difficulty in the water and subsequently disappeared. 

Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the men were helping another member of the group who was struggling in the water at the time of the incident. 

He added that the sea rescue teams were alerted by eyewitnesses at the scene.  

“It appears that a group of men from a local business, on a work off day, attended the beach where one of their group, a local man, got into difficulties in the water. His two colleagues were caught in rip currents while trying to assist their friend, and both men disappeared in the surf zone,” said Lambinon. 

The friend, who was initially in distress in the water, was rescued by a Good Samaritan to receive medical attention from paramedics, and was deemed okay.  

But the search for the missing men got underway shortly after.  

Despite an extensive search operation thus far, involving the NSRI, the City of Cape Town, the SAPS, WC Government Health EMS ambulance, EMS rescue squad and EMS rescue squad drone unit, EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter, there has been no sign of the men.

Lambinon said police are investigating. 

“There remain no signs of the two missing men. Police divers are continuing in ongoing search efforts. Police have opened an investigation. Thoughts and care are with the families, friends and colleagues of the 2 missing men,” said Lambinon.