Search for American man missing at sea near Cape Point

Water Policing and Diving Services are continuing ongoing search efforts for a 37-year-old American man who went missing in the surf zone at Diaz Beach, Cape Point, on Wednesday evening.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), its Simonstown duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Diaz Beach, Cape Point at 18h12.

NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, says it appears that on their final day of vacation in Cape Town, the missing man and family members had visited Cape Point. At Diaz Beach, the missing man and a male relative then considered taking a swim.

Lambinon says on entering the water, the relative, who is a firefighter with the Fire Department in the USA, realised the strength of the sea currents and immediately advised that they exit the water.

“We believe they were in shin deep water, attempting to retreat from the water, when the missing man was swept off his feet and he was caught in rip currents and swept out to sea before disappearing,” added Lambinon

CMR (Cape Medical Response), an NSRI Simonstown rescue vehicle, an NSRI Kommetjie rescue vehicle, NSRI rescue swimmers, the SA Police Services, TMNP (Table Mountain National Park) rangers and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, responded.

NSRI Simonstown duty crew responded to the NSRI Simonstown station 10 rescue base, where the NSRI rescue craft Donna Nicholas and Jack&Irene were launched.

NSRI Kommetjie duty crew responded to the NSRI Kommetjie station 26 rescue base where the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of the Vines was launched.

According to the NSRI, despite an extensive sea and shoreline search that extended after dark, there remain no signs of the missing man.

“Our thoughts, care and compassion are with the family of the missing man in this difficult time,” concluded Lambinon