TODAY is day 17 of the search for Chatsworth teenager Amaan Khan, who drowned at Umzumbe Beach in Hibberdene when he was pulled into the sea by a rip current.

His dad, Saleem Adam, said they would not stop searching until Amaan’s body was found.

On January 31, Amaan, Adam and several other family members were swimming together when they were caught in a rip current.

Amaan’s maternal uncle, Asif Khan, 36, a metro police officer, died a hero when he tried to save the teenager from being swept to sea. His other uncle, Ridwaan Khan, 40, is recovering from a near drowning experience after he was also caught in the rip current.

“We are thankful that there are a host of volunteers assisting us in the search for Amaan’s body, but we could benefit from the help of more drone operators and divers with expertise in search and rescue. These past few weeks have been like a nightmare for us. We are praying that we will find Amaan’s body soon,” said Adam.

Dawn Gounden, from Renegades Search and Rescue and Africa Water Sports, said she and her team joined the search three days after Amaan went missing

“I saw a plea from Amaan’s dad for divers to assist him. I contacted him and we have been doing whatever we can to assist in finding Amaan’s body. An aerial search was carried out by Tyrone Leech. We discovered a remote area further south from Umzumbe Beach, close to Pumula Beach, where we launched the drone.

"The wind conditions were manageable at this site. However, rain returned and interrupted our operations. While the drone was airborne, we examined the rocky regions, the expansive bay, and the coastline, but regrettably, we were unable to find Amaan. The search efforts will persist as we remain hopeful,” she said.

Gounden said the drone searches yielded significant results. However, deteriorating weather conditions necessitated a shift to ground searches.

“After careful consideration, my dive master, Walter Bernadis, from African Water Sports, suggested I reach out to my colleague and fellow dive master, Rudie du Toit. We convened with Amaan's father, and Rudie opted to snorkel during high tide in the locations where Amaan was last seen, concentrating on the areas beneath the rocks and the small reef.

"Our team remains deeply committed to supporting the family and continues to urge the community in the Umzumbe area to stay alert. We will continue to assist the family in hope to bring closure. Seventeen days have passed and Amaan's family are on an emotional rollercoaster, not knowing where his remains are."

To assist in the search, call Saleem Adam on 082 979 6639.

THE POST