SA Rugby offers support to French Rugby, family of teen player swept out to sea
Seventeen-year-old Medhi Narjissi, a member of the French under-18 team, was swept out to sea during a water recovery session at Cape Point on Wednesday.
Medhi Narjissi. Picture: Instagram/Medhi.njs
CAPE TOWN - The South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) has sent condolences and offered support to French Rugby and the family of 17-year-old player, Medhi Narjissi, who was swept out to sea during a water recovery session at Cape Point on Wednesday.
The teenager was a member of the French under-18 team in South Africa to take part in a tournament with the hosts, England, Ireland, and Georgia.
President at SA Rugby, Mark Alexander, said the union had offered its support to the French team and Medhi Narjissi's family, who are en route to South Africa.
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said the rugby squad were swimming at Diaz Beach when strong rip currents swept Narjissi away.
"Despite an extensive sea, air, and shoreline search, there remains no sign of the missing teenager. Police WPDS [Water Policing and Diving Services] attended the scene, and police divers are continuing an ongoing search."
Lambinon said French authorities and City of Cape Town officials were assisting the French team with counselling and logistics.