Darren Zimmerman, NSRI Simonstown station commander, said: At 18h12, Wednesday, 4 March, NSRI Simonstown duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Diaz Beach, Cape Point.
CMR (Cape Medical Response), an NSRI Simonstown rescue vehicle, an NSRI Kommetjie rescue vehicle, NSRI rescue swimmers, the SA Police Services, TMNP (Table Mountain National Park) rangers and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, responded.
NSRI Simonstown duty crew responded to the NSRI Simonstown station 10 rescue base where the NSRI rescue craft Donna Nicholas and Jack&Irene were launched.
NSRI Kommetjie duty crew responded to the NSRI Kommetjie station 26 rescue base where the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of the Vines was launched.
On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a 37 year old American man who was missing in the surf zone at Diaz Beach.
Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search that extended after dark there remains no signs of the missing man.
Police WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) are tasked by Police to continue in ongoing search efforts.
It appears that on their final day of vacation in Cape Town the missing man and family members had visited Cape Point where at Diaz Beach the missing man and a male relative considered taking a swim. On entering the water the relative, who is a fire fighter with the Fire Department in the USA, realised the strength of the sea currents and immediately advised that they exit the water.
We believe they were in shin deep water, attempting to retreat from the water, when the missing man was swept off his feet and he was caught in rip currents and swept out to sea before disappearing.
Our thoughts, care and compassion, are with the family of the missing man in this difficult time.
