Rescue teams are searching for a 17-year-old matric learner who went missing after reportedly being swept away by rip currents at Jabula Beach in St Lucia on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.
The teenager from KwaMsane was swimming at the beach on Sunday afternoon when he was caught in rip currents, according to eyewitnesses.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said its crews were activated after iSimangaliso Wetland Park rangers reported a drowning incident.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lebanon said the learner disappeared from sight shortly after being caught in the currents.
An extensive search operation was conducted, but no trace of the teenager had been found.
Police Search and Rescue teams were alerted and assisted by iSimangaliso Wetland Park rangers.
“Police Search and Rescue will continue in ongoing search efforts for the missing teenager,” Lebanon said.
Police have opened an investigation into the incident.
The search comes as rescue teams continue looking for a man who went missing while swimming at a beach in Richards Bay.