The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has issued an urgent appeal to all vessels and members of the maritime community operating between Cape Town and Langebaan to remain vigilant and report any sightings that may assist in the ongoing search for a missing man.
David van der Merwe, a 48-year-old local resident, was last seen in the water offshore of Melkbosstrand on the late afternoon of Wednesday 2 April. His last-known position is believed to be somewhere between Koeberg and Grotto Bay.
An extensive, coordinated search operation was launched immediately following reports that Van der Merwe was in distress. NSRI Melkbosstrand responded swiftly to the call, joined by Big Bay Surf Lifesaving (BBSL), Western Cape Government Health EMS rescue squad drone unit, the police, an Aerios Global Aviation (AGA) helicopter dispatched by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and West Coast coast watchers.
Despite thorough efforts stretching late into the night – continuing past midnight – no trace of Van der Merwe had yet been found.
Operation
The operation has since expanded to involve additional support from NSRI stations in Table Bay, Yzerfontein and Mykonos as well as Police Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS), Police Sea Borderline Control, law enforcement and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Telkom Maritime Radio Services has issued an “All Ships Alert” to increase awareness and vigilance among vessels passing through the region.
“We are urging all boaters, fishermen and vessels operating along this stretch of the coast to keep a sharp lookout,” said an NSRI spokesperson. “Any sightings, however insignificant they may seem, could be vital to the investigation.”
A beachgoer who witnessed the incident described the scene as “chaotic and deeply distressing”. “We saw a figure bobbing in the surf, further out than most swimmers go,” recalled Marinda Fourie, who was walking her dog along the beachfront. “He seemed to be trying to keep his head above water, then we lost sight of him.” Yet she was unsure whether it was the same man.
The NSRI had not given up hope and said all relevant authorities remain on high alert. The public was urged to report any information that may assist in locating Van der Merwe by contacting the MRCC or their nearest NSRI station.
Further updates will be provided as new information became available, the NSRI said.
