A desperate search is underway for a 43-year-old fisherman from Blue Downs who vanished on Saturday morning after being swept off the rocks by strong waves near the Gordons Bay Battery.
Emergency services were alerted around 10:30 a.m. when the man failed to return from a fishing trip between Gordons Bay and the Steenbras River Mouth. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), along with several other emergency teams, quickly launched a coordinated air, sea, and shoreline search.
Rescuers deployed the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski, while a Skymed EMS helicopter scanned the coastline from above. Police, EMS personnel, traffic services, and specialized rescue swimmers also joined the effort, combing the rough waters and rocky shores for any sign of the missing man.
Despite hours of searching under challenging conditions, no trace of him has yet been found. The Police Water Policing and Diving Services are continuing their efforts alongside the NSRI.
Authorities have opened an investigation, while the fisherman’s family and friends await news with heavy hearts. Thoughts and support are with them during this anxious and painful time.