Police have recovered two bodies believed to be the two soccer players who went missing at Lagoon Beach, Milnerton, at the weekend.
It appears that they were both caught in strong rip currents while attempting to retrieve a soccer ball, according to the NSRI.
Table View Police and SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services responded to North of Milnerton Beach on Monday where members of the public had reported the bodies of two men on the beach found during the Spring low tide.
“On arrival at the scene the two bodies, that may be those of the two young men from yesterday's (Sunday’s) incident at Lagoon Beach, were recovered by police officers and police divers. Thy were taken into the care of the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services,” said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.
“All care, compassion and condolences are conveyed to the families and friends of the 19-year-old local male teenager and a 20-year-old local man, who went missing yesterday (Sunday). We believe they had reportedly chased after a soccer ball that landed in the surf while the local soccer team that they are a part of were playing soccer on the beach,” said Lambinon.
The formal identification by families had not yet been conducted, he said.
“We cannot emphasise enough the respect of all care being provided by Police and Forensic Pathology to the families and friends in this sad tragedy they are facing.
“From all emergency services, police, NSRI, lifeguards and the local neighbourhood watch and community groups, who were involved, our hearts are with the families and friends of the deceased in this difficult time.
“It has been learnt that a Ggood Samaritan surfer, or surfers, and a good Samaritan, using an NSRI pink rescue buoy, had tried to save the two young men.
“We have not been able to identify these heroes. We commend them for their efforts despite the sad outcome,” he said.
Cape Times