NSRI confirms 70-year-old fisherman missing at Herolds Bay

A search operation is ongoing after a 70-year-old local fisherman was reportedly swept off rocks by waves while shoreline angling near Voëlklip at Herolds Bay on Wednesday evening.

According to Jonathan Britton, NSRI Wilderness station commander, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) activated rescue teams at 20:47 following reports of the incident during the turn of the spring low tide.

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Rescue Teams Mobilised

Duty crews from NSRI Wilderness and NSRI Mossel Bay responded to the emergency, launching rescue vessels and deploying rescue swimmers to assist in the search.

The NSRI Mossel Bay crew launched the rescue craft St Blaise Rescuer from Station 15, while NSRI Wilderness crews launched the rescue craft Spirit of Rotary from Station 23.

Rescue vehicles from both stations were dispatched to the shoreline as part of the coordinated search operation.

Multi-Agency Search Effort

Emergency services including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Western Cape Government Health EMS, and George Fire and Rescue Services were activated and responded to the scene.

An EMS rescue drone unit was deployed to conduct an aerial search, while members of the George Community Police Forum (CPF) also assisted by deploying a drone to support search efforts.

Police divers from the Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) were activated and joined the operation.

Extensive Search Continues

NSRI rescue boats conducted search efforts extending beyond the back breakers in calm sea conditions, while shoreline teams continued to search along the coast.

Rescue crews also deployed white illuminating flares to assist with visibility during the night operation.

During the search, fishing gear belonging to the missing fisherman was recovered from the water, confirming the location where he was believed to have been swept away.

Despite extensive air, sea and shoreline search efforts, there have been no signs of the missing man so far.

Ongoing Efforts

Police divers are continuing with search operations, while NSRI lifeguards on duty on Thursday and throughout the Easter weekend have been asked to remain vigilant and keep watch for any developments.

“Our thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man during this difficult time,” Britton said.