Seawinds man’s body found at beach

The family of a Seawinds man who was reported missing more than a week ago have thanked the community for their assistance after his body was recovered at Strandfontein Beach at the weekend.

Gregory Cornelius, 35, was reported missing by his family on Monday November 11 after he informed them he was going to the beach.

Last week, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) reported that a person was believed to have disappeared in the surf zone at Sunrise Beach on Monday November 11.

An extensive search was launched involving NSRI rescue swimmers, City rescue craft, and rescue jet-ski units.

NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said NSRI Strandfontein was alerted to reports of a body on the beach near Strandfontein around 7.56am on Saturday.

He said police, the City’s law enforcement marine unit and lifeguards responded.

“The body of a man, identified by family, has been taken into the care of government health forensic pathology services and is believed to be the person who went missing in the surf zone at Sunrise Beach, near Muizenberg, on Monday,” he said.

Cornelius’ cousin, Rewina Pietersen, confirmed that the family had identified his body when they had been called to the beach on Saturday.

“The weight of the loss of my beloved cousin is indescribable, but it eases our hearts to have answers, no matter how painful they may be. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and sincerest thanks to everyone who offered support and assistance to my family and every person who shared our plea,” said Ms Pietersen.

Muizenberg police spokesman Captain Stephen Knapp said an inquest docket had been opened.