PORT ST JOHNS - 2 SANDF SOLDIERS STILL MISSING AT SEA

Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers are still missing at sea after being swept by harsh conditions on Saturday, at Second Beach Port St Johns, Eastern Cape.

SANDF Spokesperson Xolani Mabanga said it is understood that the members were swimming when one of them was swept away by the current, prompting two other members to try rescue him.

“However, the sea conditions worsened and the second member into got into difficulties. The third soldier managed to swim back to shore and immediately reported the matter”, he added.

The SANDF added that the soldiers were off-duty at the time from military exercises, when they disappeared.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and police immediately launched a search and rescue effort, but couldn’t find the two missing soldiers.

An extensive sea search for two male military members was conducted, but no sign of the men has been found.

Furthermore, South African Air helicopter also conducted a night search and continued to search on Sunday, working together with the police and emergency medical services.

SANDF is yet to inform the families and friends about the missing soldiers. The details of the soldiers will be released once they are informed.

The search is still underway.

VIA - thenewage.co.za