In the first‚ its Strandfontein duty crew “were activated following reports of a mass drowning in progress at Mnandi beach” at 4.39pm‚ according to deputy station commander Clint Abrahams.
“NSRI Strandfontein launched the sea rescue craft Grand West CSI and Law Enforcement Marine Unit launched a rescue jet-ski. Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services‚ Metro Police and the SA Police Services responded‚” he added.
He said lifeguards had rescued three teenage males from the surf and they had initiated a search for an 18-year-old male‚ from Gugulethu‚ who was missing in the surf – all four had reportedly been swept out to sea by rip-currents while swimming.
“An extensive sea and shore search revealed no sign of the teenager‚” Abrahams said.
“One the rescued teenagers rescued was treated by Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services paramedics for hypothermia and for non-fatal drowning symptoms and he has been transported to hospital in a stable condition for observation for secondary drowning.”
At 6.16pm‚ the same station was “activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Monwabisi Beach‚ in the vicinity off-shore of the tidal pool”.
It “diverted sea rescue craft from Mnandi Beach to respond to Monwabisi Beach and Marine Law Enforcement‚ the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services were diverted to respond to Monwabisi Beach”‚ Abrahams said.
“Despite an extensive search no sign of the missing man could be found and details of the man‚ despite initial reports that he is 30 years of age and wearing shorts when he was last seen by eyewitnesses before he disappeared under water‚ could be obtained from bystanders on the beach.”
Police have opened investigations into both incidents.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
