The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has been conducting an ongoing search for a missing diver who disappeared off the coastline near Kleinmond in the Western Cape on January 4. Despite extensive efforts, the diver has yet to be located, and authorities are appealing for information from the public.
Incident Details
According to NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon, the organization was alerted on Saturday, January 4, at approximately 5:22 PM. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man in apparent distress near the rocks by the Kleinmond tidal pool, an area locally known as “the Bruggie.”
“NSRI Kleinmond duty crew was activated following eyewitness reports of a diver appearing to be in difficulties along the rocks on the shoreline,” said Lambinon.
Emergency responders, including NSRI Kleinmond rescue swimmers, Overstrand Law Enforcement, Western Cape Government Health EMS, and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Search Efforts
Upon arrival, responders launched an extensive search by air, sea, and shoreline. Despite their combined efforts, no signs of the diver were found.
“Despite an extensive air, sea, and shoreline search, no signs of the diver were found,” Lambinon reported.
To date, no reports of a missing or overdue person have been linked to the incident. This has added complexity to the case, as authorities continue to seek information about the diver’s identity and circumstances.
Authorities have urged anyone with relevant details to contact the Kleinmond Police Station at 028 271 8200 or 028 271 8202.
Unrelated Dive Incident in Hangklip
While responding to the Kleinmond search, NSRI received a second report about a diver in Hangklip’s Maasbaai area. A woman called to report that her husband had failed to return home as scheduled after a diving trip.
The NSRI began an investigation, but shortly afterward, the woman informed them that her husband had returned home safely and did not require assistance.
This incident, although unrelated to the ongoing Kleinmond search, highlighted the importance of rapid communication between the NSRI, emergency services, and the public.
New Year’s Day Canoe Rescue in Betty’s Bay
The search for the missing diver comes shortly after another significant rescue operation conducted by the NSRI on New Year’s Day. The Kleinmond duty crew was activated to assist a father and daughter who had encountered difficulties while canoeing off Jocks Bay in Betty’s Bay.
According to Lambinon, the father and daughter were thrown into the water after their canoe was overturned while they were fishing.
An eyewitness, a young local man, spotted the pair struggling in the water and maintained communication with the NSRI rescue team. His efforts proved instrumental in guiding the response.
“While responding to the scene, we requested that the local Good Samaritan man shout towards the casualties, encouraging them to swim away from the rocky shoreline to avoid being battered against the rocks,” Lambinon explained.
Successful Rescue Amid Harsh Conditions
The NSRI Kleinmond rescue craft braved challenging sea conditions, with two-meter swells and strong gusting winds, to reach the father and daughter. Despite the hazards, the team successfully pulled them to safety and brought them ashore.
This incident highlighted the critical role played by eyewitnesses and community members in assisting rescue efforts.
Public Awareness and Safety
The NSRI continues to emphasize the importance of water safety and vigilance when engaging in activities along the coast. Lambinon urged anyone who witnesses a potential emergency at sea to report it immediately, as swift action can often mean the difference between life and death.
For the ongoing Kleinmond search, authorities remain hopeful that additional information from the public could help resolve the case.
As the NSRI persists in its efforts to locate the missing diver, the organization’s commitment to protecting lives and promoting safety along South Africa’s coastline remains unwavering.