Body of surf-ski challenge competitor found on the Wild Coast

The body of a Johannesburg paddler, missing since the weekend off the Eastern Cape coast, was found, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said.

"The body of Mark Feather was located on the shore in the vicinity of Trennerys on the Wild Coast, Transkei, this morning, Monday, 17 November," spokesman Craig Lambinon said in a statement.

"The body... is in the care of the police on the scene and will be taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services."

The police, the NSRI, emergency services and all involved in the search for Feather sent their condolences to his family and friends.

"Police have opened an inquest docket," he said.

Feather, 43, went missing on Saturday during the Peter Marlin surf-ski challenge between Orient Beach and Yellowsands, in East London.

The challenge started at 7am, during which wind conditions increased to 47 knots and swells of 6.5 metres were recorded.

As a result, six surf-skiers were reported missing and overdue at the finish line, off-shore of East London, at around 10am, Lambinon said at the time.

Five of them were found on the beach during a search, having withdrawn from the challenge. An extensive search for Feather was conducted on Saturday and Sunday.