THE search for the body of the woman who apparently drowned at the Amanzimtoti Beach over a week ago continues amid growing concerns about why it has not washed out.

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According to information that was given to authorities, Chanel van Eeden (37) and her two friends were at the beach at around midnight on December 22. Earlier that evening, the trio had been at a popular Amanzimtoti pub before deciding to go down to the beach. Ward 97 councillor André Beetge said the other two women reported that after arriving at the beach, Chanel went in for a swim.

“The friends said they then heard Chanel scream out in panic. After the scream, they said she was swept away by the waves and was never seen again. The distress call came in around 01:00 and a priority search and rescue operation commenced immediately,” said Beetge.

Two helicopters were engaged to conduct the search and spent all day sweeping the entire stretch of the ocean up and down.

Beetge said the search continues but it has been scaled down to a recovery of the body since there is no hope of finding Chanel alive. He added that it was unusual that the body had not washed out on its own after so many days.

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