Search operation is ongoing at Mdumbi Beach after four children were swept out to sea by a powerful rip current on Sunday. The search continues for boy caught in rip current at EC beach, with teams of police divers, rescue dogs, lifeguards, and volunteers working tirelessly to find the missing child.
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the incident occurred while the children were swimming off Mdumbi Beach, a well-known coastal area along South Africa’s Eastern Cape. While three of the children were rescued from the strong current, a young boy remains missing.
The first rescue response came from volunteers affiliated with Mdumbi Backpackers, a local accommodation and community hub situated near the beach. These trained volunteers managed to save three of the four children from the turbulent waters. The dramatic incident has since triggered a multi-agency operation, as the search continues for boy caught in rip current at EC beach.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambing said emergency teams arrived shortly after the incident to assist with recovery efforts. “Our volunteers, supported by lifeguards and police divers, immediately launched a coordinated search of the shoreline and nearby waters,” he said.
One of the rescued children, a 13-year-old girl, was treated on the scene for symptoms of non-fatal drowning. According to Lambing, the teen was in serious but stable condition at the time and was later transported to a local hospital by a family member.
“She is expected to make a full recovery,” said Lambinon. “The other two girls involved in the incident were not injured and have since been reunited with their families.”
The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the dangers posed by rip currents, especially along sections of the Eastern Cape coastline known for unpredictable sea conditions.
Mdumbi Beach Search Operation Expands
As the search continues for boy caught in rip current at EC beach, authorities have expanded their efforts to include a wider coastal perimeter. Police divers have been scouring the underwater areas around Mdumbi Beach, while a specially trained K9 unit searches the surrounding dunes and beach paths for any signs of the child.
Local residents, community leaders, and organisations have joined hands to support the family and assist the professional EWN teams in any way they can. Despite challenging sea conditions, hope remains that the boy will be located.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support,” said Lambing. “It is this kind of unity that keeps morale high in such difficult times.”
This latest tragedy has raised awareness about the risks posed by rip currents, which are narrow, fast-moving channels of water that can pull swimmers far from shore in seconds. The NSRI has once again urged beachgoers to be vigilant when swimming in the ocean, particularly in unsupervised or unfamiliar areas.
“Rip currents are one of the leading causes of drowning in South Africa,” Lambinon warned. “They are hard to spot and often catch even experienced swimmers off guard. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, the best course of action is to stay calm, conserve energy, and swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current.”
Educational campaigns by the NSRI aim to equip the public with life-saving knowledge, particularly during peak holiday seasons when more people visit South Africa’s beaches.
In light of the incident, the NSRI has released a list of safety recommendations for anyone visiting the beach:These preventative measures could prove vital in saving lives and avoiding tragedies similar to the ongoing case at Mdumbi Beach.
As the search continues for boy caught in rip current at EC beach, the missing child’s family remains on-site, supported by grief councillors and local authorities. Community members have organised food deliveries and accommodation for those involved in the search, showcasing the spirit of unity and compassion that often emerges in moments of crisis.
Although the child’s identity has not yet been made public, police have confirmed that his family is being regularly updated on the progress of the search. Officials have also requested that the public respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
The operation will continue as long as conditions permit, with daily assessments guiding the efforts of the divers, dog units, and support crews.
The NSRI has pledged to provide timely updates to the public and media as new developments emerge. For now, all focus remains on the rescue and recovery efforts.
“We are doing everything possible,” said Lambing. “As long as there is a chance, we will keep searching.”
For updates on the search for the boy caught in a rip current at EC beach, follow NSRI official channels and local Eastern Cape news outlets.
Source- EWN
