SEARCH and rescue teams are continuing operations at Durban South Beach following the disappearance of a 22-year-old man from the Eastern Cape who went missing in the surf zone early on Thursday morning.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Durban Station Commander Etienne van Zyl said SAPS Search and Rescue and Metro Police Search and Rescue, supported by eThekwini lifeguards, have been conducting ongoing search efforts since the incident was reported on Thursday. He said they joined thee mission after being alerted to the incident while carrying out routine training at sea.

“At around 08:00 on Thursday, January 1, while NSRI Durban were conducting routine training at sea onboard the NSRI Durban rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6, the crew were activated by Police Search and Rescue to assist at Durban South Beach,” van Zyl said.

He explained that multiple agencies were already involved in the operation when NSRI arrived on scene. “At that time, the South African Police Service, Police Search and Rescue, Metro Police Coastal and Tourism Unit, and eThekwini lifeguards were searching for a 22-year-old male from the Eastern Cape who had reportedly gone missing in the surf zone earlier that morning,” he said.

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The NSRI rescue craft immediately diverted to the area and joined the extensive search, which was later supported by a Police Air Wing helicopter conducting aerial sweeps of the coastline. “Despite extensive air, sea, and shoreline searches, there remain no signs of the missing man,” van Zyl said.

Authorities have confirmed that search operations are ongoing, with teams continuing to scan the area in the hope of locating the missing swimmer. “Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man during this difficult time,” van Zyl added.

Search and rescue services have urged the public to exercise caution when entering the ocean, particularly in areas with strong surf conditions.

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