Kobus Meyer, NSRI Melkbosstrand duty coxswain, said; “At 16h20 on Sunday 16 September, NSRI Melkbosstrand volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at the beach in front of Woodbridge Island, Milnerton.
“Our NSRI Melkbosstrand volunteer sea rescue duty crew launched our sea rescue craft Men’s Health Rescuer and Spirit of the Vines and our sea rescue vehicle responded.
“On arrival on-scene Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services were in attendance but no sign of any drowning incident could be found and no one on the beach could shed any light on any drowning incident at the beach.
“Then at 16h36 NSRI Melkbosstrand were alerted by a female reporting her husband to be overdue on his sea kayak.
“The 57 year old male from Australia, now living at Atlantic Beach in Cape Town, had left to paddle, on his debut paddle, from Woodbridge Island at 10h00 but having failed to arrive as scheduled at Milnerton Beach later in the day, his wife had grown concerned and raised the alarm.
“A search commenced and just after 17h00 the man was found safe at Big Bay, Bloubergstrand, and it appears that he had paddled further and for longer than he had intended but since he was safely ashore no further assistance was required.
“It is not believed that these two incidents are related.
“Then at 17h15 NSRI Melkbosstrand were alerted to a 7 year old female, reportedly from De Noon, who according to her child minder had disappeared from the beach, at Tableview Beach, while the child minder had gone for a swim.
“Fearing that the child had entered the sea and drowned while the child minder was swimming NSRI and Police were alerted.
“A search commenced at sea and on land and Neighborhood Watch joined in the search but despite an extensive search no sign of the child has been found and Police have taken over the search and are investigating the incident but it is unknown if the child has gone missing in the sea or from the land.”
