Juan Pretorius, NSRI Port Alfred station commander, said; “At 06h33 on 15 November 2011 NSRI Port Alfred volunteer duty sea rescue crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at East Beach, Ndlambe
“Our NSRI Port Alfred volunteer sea rescue duty crew launched our 5.5 meter rigid inflatable sea rescue craft and NSRI rescue swimmers were dispatched directly to the beach and the Ndlambe Fire and Rescue Service, Ndlambe Traffic Services and the SA Police Services responded
“On arrival on-scene a full-scale search commenced for a 20 year old local man who was reportedly swept off his feet by a wave and swept out to sea and disappeared after he and a friend had entered the surf this morning to go for a swim.
“No sign of the man has been found and he is now presumed to have drowned. Police and a Police dive unit have taken over control of the search. NSRI Port Alfred remain on stand-by to assist if necessary.
“The man is a local from the area. Police have opened an inquest docket.”
