Search continues after Greytown man goes missing at Alkantstrand

Greytown man (24) last seen in the surf zone, appearing to have been caught in rip currents at Alkantstrand in Richards Bay

1 hour ago

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

City of uMhlathuze Fire & Rescue crew were dispatched after reports of a drowning at Alkantstrand

A tour to Richards Bay turned into tragedy for a sports group from Greytown, after one person went missing while swimming at Alkantstrand over the weekend.

The 24-year-old man was last seen in the surf zone, appearing to have been caught in rip currents while swimming near the main beach, before disappearing underwater on Saturday afternoon.

According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) duty crew in Richards Bay, the missing man was part of a sports tour group visiting Richards Bay for a tournament.

The group had visited the beach, where some team members were swimming, when the man was swept out to sea, prompting an alarm to be raised.

“NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the beach while NSRI crew responded to our Station 19 rescue base, where the rescue vehicle was dispatched,” said NSRI Richards Bay deputy station commander Manie le Roux.

Police Search & Rescue and Borderline Control were alerted, and joined NSRI and SAPS on the scene.

Despite an extensive search using spotlights and shoreline patrols, there remains no sign of the missing man, with the search still ongoing on Monday morning.

Police have since opened an investigation.

“Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time,” said Le Roux.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: