Man missing, presumed drowned

A search is under way for a man who went missing after he went swimming at Durnford Beach near eSikhaleni on Sunday.

It remains unclear if the man (26) was swimming with friends or taking part in a church baptism at the beach at the time.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Richards Bay Station 19 duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning from City of uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue.

Richards Bay NSRI station commander Mike Pattison said the Sea Rescue craft Spirit of Round Table was launched, while rescue swimmers, the SAPS, police Search and Rescue, and Medi Response responded.

“A search commenced for a local man who had gone missing in the surf line,” said Pattison.

“Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search, no signs of the missing man were found.”

SAPS Search and Rescue members are continuing the search operation with beach and shore patrols.

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