Mpumalanga man missing in Ballito surf – NSRI
· The South African
A 35-year-old man from Witbank, Mpumalanga, remains missing after reportedly being caught in rip currents at Salmon Bay in Ballito on Saturday.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Ballito duty crew was activated at 08:00 following reports from IPSS Medical Rescue of a drowning in progress near the Salmon Bay launch site.
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According to NSRI Ballito station commander Mike Bishop, an IPSS Medical Rescue member who was nearby witnessed the man in distress and raised the alarm.
The man is believed to have been caught in rip currents in an area that is not protected by duty lifeguards.
Brother-in-law injured in rescue attempt
The missing man’s brother-in-law entered the water in an attempt to reach him. However, the man disappeared beneath the water before his relative could get to him.
The brother-in-law sustained cuts and bruises during the rescue attempt. Paramedics treated him at the scene, and he did not require further medical care.
NSRI Ballito rescue swimmers, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Police Search and Rescue, Metro Police Search and Rescue, IPSS Medical Rescue and KwaDukuza lifeguards responded to the incident.
Search efforts continue
NSRI launched its rescue jet-ski and deployed a rescue swimmer into the surf zone as part of extensive search efforts.
Despite searches at sea and along the shoreline, there were no signs of the missing man.
Police have opened an investigation, while Police Search and Rescue teams continue searching with assistance from KwaDukuza lifeguards and Metro Police Search and Rescue.
The NSRI said its thoughts and care were with the missing man’s family during this difficult time.
Warning about rip currents
The incident highlights the dangers of rip currents, which can rapidly carry swimmers away from shore.
Beachgoers are urged to swim at beaches protected by lifeguards, heed safety warnings and avoid entering the water when conditions are dangerous.