Port Elizabeth in the News on 17 November 2014

During the morning of Saturday, 15th November, during the Peter Marlin surf-ski challenge from Orient Beach to Yellowsands, East London, which started at around 07h00, wind conditions increased to 47 knots and 6.5 meter swells during the challenge resulting in a number of surf-skiers being reported missing or overdue at the surf-ski challenge finish line at around 10h00.

A total of 6 surf-skiers were reported missing and overdue off-shore of East London and NSRI East London sea rescue craft LOTTO RESCUER and EC Government Health EMS and an AV8 rescue helicopter, during a search, located 5 of the missing surf-skiers who were found safe on the beach (having withdrawn from the challenge) and some of which were recovered safely at sea and none injured but a surf-skier remained missing with wind speeds increasing to 60 knots during the afternoon.

Reportedly 133 surf-skiers started the challenge, 100 finished with the remaining either retired or forced to withdraw in the conditions but 1 paddler, a 43 year old male from Johannesburg, remained overdue.

A fixed wing aircraft joined NSRI sea rescue craft and EMS and the AV8 rescue helicopter in the search and despite an extensive sea shore and air search after still no sign of the missing paddler could be found by mid afternoon six fixed wing aircraft from the local flying club had joined in the search.

An extensive search was carried out from where the man was last estimated to have been on the surf-ski challenge course towards the direction of the Kei River Mouth, Transkei, in conditions that increased during the afternoon to gusting to 60 knot gale force winds and sea swells of up to 6.5 meters but there remained no sign of the missing paddler.

Police Disaster Management, a Police Dive Unit, MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) and Telkom Maritime Radio Services, broadcast an all ships alert for ships and vessels in the area to be on alert, all joined in the ongoing search effort.

Family of the missing man were supported and kept informed by Sea Rescue and by Police and Police have opened an investigation into the incident.