As the search continues for a boy aged 12 or 13 who is feared to have drowned in Coffee Bay earlier this week, concerned OR Tambo District Municipality bosses have warned of the unpredictability of the untamed Wild Coast shoreline. They have appealed to bathers to avoid swimming at unmonitored beaches during the festive season. OR Tambo municipal spokesperson Ncebakazi Kolwane said the incident involving the boy occurred on Tuesday.
“The incident is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities,” Kolwane said. “Following the report, search operations were immediately activated. “In accordance with standard emergency response protocols, the operation has since transitioned from the rescue phase to a search-and-recovery phase, because the initial rescue window has concluded.
“Efforts to locate the missing [boy] remain ongoing. “At this stage, no further details can be confirmed, pending the conclusion of investigations, in the interest of accuracy and out of respect for the affected family.” It is believed the incident happened while the lifeguards recruited to ensure the safety of bathers at beaches within the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) municipal area are at loggerheads with the local authority over their working conditions. They are demanding permanent employment and contracts. We hope this is the last time [there are reported drownings] and we can minimise fatalities KSD mayor Nyaniso Nelani said he had held an emergency meeting with traditional leaders in the Coffee Bay area because of the stand-off with the lifeguards.
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