Cape Town – A 17-year-old teenager of French nationality is missing and presumed drowned at Dias Beach, near Cape Point in Table Mountain National Park.
The French teenager was reported missing on Wednesday, (7 August 2024).
Narrating events leading to the tragedy, the South African National Parks (SANParks) on Thursday said: “The teenager was swept into the sea by a strong rip current.
SANParks added: “Rangers immediately raised the alert to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) when they observed two swimmers in distress in the sea at Dias Beach”.
A search was launched involving the NNSRI, South African Police Services Dive unit, Skymed helicopter, Cape Medical Response, and several other parties.
“Additional resources such as a drone from Emergency Medical Rescue Services have been deployed, and there is still no sign of the young man,” SANParks said.
“The search continued until late last night and resumed this morning until it was called off due to strong winds and rough sea swells.
“The search will continue on Friday, (9 August), depending on sea and weather conditions.”
SANParks said it was liaising with the French Consulate to coordinate matters with the family of the missing young man.
SANParks said it extended “sincere condolences to the family and friends of the teenager”.
Although the teenager has not been named yet www.thebulrushes.com is reliably informed that he was a rugby player visiting Cape Town to compete in the International Series with his national team.
