Body Of Missing Eastern Cape Swimmer Found In Sedgefield

The body of a 20-year-old man from the Eastern Cape, who went missing in Sedgefield on Saturday, was recovered by authorities on Monday,

The recovery took place during an ongoing search operation, with assistance from the South African Police Service SAPS, the NSRI Wilderness crew and local volunteers.

The young man, who was last seen swimming at Sedgefield's Myoli Beach near the Swartvlei River Mouth, was caught in rip currents while swimming with friends. Despite extensive search efforts over two days, the missing man had not been located until Monday afternoon when police divers, supported by SAPS Community Orientated Policing COP volunteers, successfully retrieved the body.

On Saturday evening, the National Sea Rescue Institute NSRI Wilderness was activated after reports of a drowning incident in Sedgefield. The NSRI Wilderness duty crew, alongside NSRI Sedgefield lifeguards and SAPS, quickly mobilised to search the area by both sea and land. The NSRI's rescue craft, Lavinia , was launched from the NSRI Wilderness satellite rescue station to aid in the search.

Jonathan Britton, the NSRI Wilderness Station Commander, confirmed that the 20-year-old had disappeared under the water while swimming with friends, likely due to being swept away by strong rip currents. Despite their best efforts, no signs of the missing swimmer were found over the course of the weekend.