Mdumbi Beach, Eastern Cape – An urgent search and rescue operation is underway for a seven-year-old boy who went missing at Mdumbi Beach on Sunday after being caught in a rip current during an outgoing tide.
The child was swimming with three other children when the group was swept away by the powerful current. While the other children were safely rescued, the boy disappeared beneath the surf, sparking immediate panic among beachgoers.
Search Teams Mobilized
Rescue teams, local authorities, and community volunteers have been scouring the area since the incident was reported, but strong currents and fading light have made conditions difficult. The child’s name has not yet been released, as the family has requested privacy during this traumatic time.
“Every minute counts. Our teams are doing everything possible to locate the missing child,” said a spokesperson from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
A Tragic Reminder of Ocean Dangers
The incident has raised renewed concerns about beach safety and supervision, especially during school holidays and weekends when children are more likely to swim without adult oversight.
Mdumbi Beach, located along the Wild Coast, is known for its beauty — but also for strong, unpredictable rip currents that can pose serious dangers to swimmers.
Appeal for Information
Authorities have urged anyone who may have seen the child or witnessed the incident to come forward. The search is ongoing, and rescue teams have vowed not to stop until all avenues have been exhausted.
