Desperate search for a missing Zimbabwean man in Bot River Lagoon

NSRI and police divers continue searching the Bot River Lagoon near Fisherhaven for a 26-year-old man who went missing while wading. Police divers and NSRI rescue crews are continuing the search for a 26-year-old Zimbabwean man who went missing while wading at the Bot River Lagoon near Fisherhaven. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Hermanus duty crew was activated at 8:13pm on Saturday following reports of a drowning.

NSRI rescue swimmers and a rescue vehicle responded alongside the South African Police Service. On arrival, it was determined that the man had reportedly gone missing earlier while wading in the lagoon. He had been with a local friend at the time.

The pair are understood to regularly fish together at the lagoon. NSRI rescue swimmers conducted sweeping line wading search efforts, while police divers from the Western Cape Water Policing and Diving Services were alerted by Hermanus police. On Sunday, NSRI Hermanus launched its JetRIB rescue craft and assisted police in ongoing search operations.

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Despite extensive efforts, there has been no sign of the missing man. Police have opened an investigation. Water Policing and Diving Services are expected to continue search efforts.

“Our thoughts and care are with family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time,” the NSRI said. In a separate incident earlier this week, NSRI Hermanus carried out a medical evacuation of an injured fisherman from a 65-metre stern trawler. NSRI Hermanus duty coxswain Jean le Roux said the crew was placed on alert at 7:48pm on Tuesday following reports from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of a 47-year-old fisherman from De Doorns injured while at sea.

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