22-Year-Old Man Feared Lost at Sea Near Plettenberg Bay

An extensive search operation has been underway after reports emerged that a 22-year-old man was swept into the sea off the coastline between Robberberg Nature Reserve and Kranshoek, near Plettenberg Bay. A friend who was with him at the time managed to reach help after a strenuous ordeal, raising the alarm for the missing man.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon detailed the sequence of events following the unfortunate incident. He mentioned that their Plettenberg Bay duty crew, along with other emergency services, was called into action following distress messages circulated on a local WhatsApp group indicating a drowning was in progress at Stilbaai.

The 30-year-old man who survived the ordeal recounted his attempts to save his friend, stating that after multiple efforts failed and realizing there was no cell signal at the isolated location, he made the difficult decision to find help. Battling the harsh terrain, he reached a residence positioned above the cliffs – a property belonging to a local farmer.

The farmer played a pivotal role in contacting Tech Security which in turn led to the mobilization of NSRI, WC Government Health EMS Metro Control, and the South African Police Services (SAPS). An intricate response was sparked involving several major role-players. Teams included police, EMS rescue squad ambulance, and a rescue helicopter scouring the vicinity for the young man.

In addition to the official emergency services, Duran de Villiers, a local resident, extended his support by making his private boat and aerial drone available to assist in the search efforts.

Due to the challenging landscape and the time elapsed since the incident was first reported, the search operation faced considerable difficulties. Despite these efforts, Lambinon stated that no signs of the missing man have been found.

The strenuous experience has left the surviving friend in shock. He was treated and admitted to a local hospital where he is reported to be in a stable condition. Authorities continue to push forward with the search hoping to locate the young man lost at sea.