A 15-year-old boy from Grassy Park remains missing after being swept out to sea at Noordhoek Beach on Sunday afternoon.

The NSRI says crews from Hout Bay, Kommetjie and Simon’s Town launched an extensive search after eyewitnesses reported that the teenager had disappeared in the surf while trying to retrieve a ball that had washed off nearby rocks. He is believed to have been caught in strong rip currents.

Multiple rescue resources responded, including NSRI rescue swimmers, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and Disaster Risk Management teams, Cape Medical Response, and the SA Police Service. Two NSRI rescue craft from Hout Bay, a craft from Kommetjie, and the Spirit of Gabby were deployed, while the EMS/AMS Skymed helicopter joined the air search.

Despite intensive shoreline, sea and aerial searches in winds gusting up to 45 knots, there has been no sign of the teenager. Police Water Policing and Diving Services will continue the search.

The NSRI has extended its thoughts to the teenager’s family and friends during this difficult time.