A search and rescue operation is ongoing along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast after a Newcastle man went missing in the ocean off Thompson’s Bay in Ballito during the early hours of Friday, 2 January 2026. Authorities believe the man may have drowned after encountering difficulty while swimming before sunrise.
Emergency services were alerted at approximately 5:30 am following reports that two holidaymakers had run into trouble in the water.
A coordinated rescue effort was immediately initiated, bringing together lifeguards, emergency responders and specialised rescue equipment deployed both along the shoreline and offshore.
KwaDukuza lifeguard officials confirmed that both swimmers were swept out to sea by strong ocean currents. One of the men was rescued by a fisherman operating in the area, while the second swimmer remains missing.
IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick confirmed that extensive resources were mobilised as part of the search. “Jet skis and drones were deployed as part of the search effort, involving KwaDukuza Lifeguards and IPSS Search and Rescue teams,” she said.
The missing man is described as an Indian male, approximately 40 years old, who was visiting the North Coast with his family from Newcastle.
Despite sustained and coordinated search efforts by both air and water rescue teams, no trace of him has been found at this stage.
Authorities have once again urged the public to exercise caution when entering the ocean, particularly during early morning hours when sea conditions can be unpredictable and visibility limited. Strong currents and changing tides remain a significant risk along the coastline.
Members of the public who may come across anything of concern along the North Coast are asked to contact IPSS Search & Rescue immediately on 082 799 9813.
As the search continues, the Newcastle man’s fate remains unknown, leaving his family in distress while rescue teams persist with efforts to locate him. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ocean’s unpredictability and the importance of heeding safety warnings when swimming in unguarded or low-visibility conditions.
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2 Responses
Good day,
The above man that drowned was not from Newcastle KZN. He was from Mpumalanga, Carolina.
Good day, thank you for the comment. The information is from multiple official sources, whom all confirm that the gentleman is a Newcastle resident.