Stephen Slade, NSRI Port Alfred deputy station commander, said:
At 15h51, Saturday, 26th August, NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of 3 men being swept out to sea at West Beach, Port Alfred.
Our NSRI rescue vehicle carrying NSRI rescue swimmers responded to the scene and our sea rescue craft Rescue Eleven Alpha was launched.
The SA Police Services, Ndlambe Municipality, EC Government Health EMS, Ndlambe Traffic Services, Ndlambe Fire and Rescue Services and Guardmed private ambulance services responded.
On arrival on the scene it was found that 2 young men, aged in their 20’s, had managed to get out of the water without assistance and a young man, believed to be aged in his early 20’s, was missing in the surf after reportedly being witnessed being swept out to sea in a strong rip current surge and disappearing under water.
The 2 men found out of the water were not injured.
We believe that they are all from Rhodes University and Police are investigating.
Police and a Police dive unit will continue in an ongoing search operation.
Craig Lambinon, SEA RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS