A 17-year-old boy remains missing after a drowning incident at Monwabisi Beach on Saturday morning, while four other teenagers were rescued from dangerous surf conditions.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), emergency crews were activated shortly after 11am following eyewitness reports of multiple swimmers in distress at the popular False Bay beach.

NSRI Strandfontein station commander Nicolette Whitehead said five local teenage boys, believed to be between the ages of 13 and 17, had reportedly been caught in strong rip currents while swimming.

By the time rescuers arrived, four of the teenagers had already been brought ashore by members of the public. One bystander, believed to be a lifeguard and reportedly wearing a lifeguard shirt, used an NSRI pink rescue buoy stationed at the beach to save one of the boys. Surfers at the scene also assisted, using their surfboards to help rescue three others.

The four rescued teenagers were found on the beach suffering from symptoms linked to non-fatal drowning. Two were reported to be in stable condition, while two others were described as serious but stable. All four were transported to hospital by ambulance and are expected to recover.

A large-scale search operation was launched involving NSRI rescue swimmers, police, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, EMS rescue crews, Law Enforcement and Police Water Policing and Diving Services.

Despite extensive sea and shoreline searches, no sign of the missing teenager had been found by Sunday. Police divers continue ongoing search efforts.

The NSRI commended the eyewitness who raised the alarm, as well as the unidentified Good Samaritans and surfers who helped save lives before emergency services arrived.

Police have opened an investigation into the incident.