Norman Rautenbach, NSRI Richards Bay station commander, said: At 13h10, Thursday, 1 October, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Mtunzini Main Beach.
The KZN surf rescue network was alerted.
Our NSRI rescue vehicle, towing our NSRI JetRIB rescue craft, the SA Police Service, Mtunzini CPF (Community Policing Forum), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife rangers, and IPSS Medical Rescue, responded.
On arrival on the scene we found local community members, friends and family, and local boaters, using a private aerial drone, a RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) and a jet-ski, searching for a 19 year old male, from the Eastern Cape, who had gone missing in the surf zone while swimming.
It appears that the teenager was swimming with his girlfriend when she exited the water she noticed he was in difficulty, appearing to be caught in rip currents, and disappearing in the surf zone.
An extensive air, sea and shoreline search has revealed no signs of the missing teenager.
Police K9 Search and Rescue – WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Service) – are continuing in ongoing search efforts.
Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing teenager in this difficult time.
Police have opened an investigation.
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