Search continues for 18-year-old swept out to sea at Cape Town’s Glen Beach

AN AFTERNOON swim at Glen Beach sparked a major search operation Saturday evening when an 18-year-old from the township of Mfuleni was swept to sea by strong currents.

Reports said the teenager was in the water with friends when a wave pulled him under and dragged him out towards Maidens Cove.

NSRI Bakoven station commander, Bevan Geyser, said they received reports of a drowning in progress at around 6.57pm on Saturday and immediately NSRI Bakoven and NSRI Table Bay crew were activated to begin the search.

Both the NSRI and City of Cape Town water rescue teams deployed to the scene.

City of Cape Town lifeguards, Western Cape Government Health EMS rescue squad, Metro Police, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service and the SA Police Service responded to the emergency.

Geyser confirmed that the NSRI rescue craft Gemini Legend was launched from Bakoven Station 2 rescue base.

Geyser said: Reports say one of the 18-year-old's friends tried to rescue him, but due to the strong Glen Beach currents, the friend was unable to reach him as he disappeared.

“A Metro Police drone unit, nearby at the time, launched an aerial drone, assisting in the search.

“It appears that the teenager was swimming with friends at Glen Beach when he got into difficulties and was being swept towards Maidens Cove.

Despite an extensive air, sea and shoreline search, no signs of the teenager have been located.

Police divers are continuing in ongoing search efforts. Police have opened an inquest.