Family of six caught in rip-current: metro police officer dies while trying to save nephew Asif Khan and his nephew, Armaan Khan.
THE father of Shallcross teenager, Armaan Khan, who is believed to have drowned when a rip current swept him out to sea, at Umzumbe Beach, in Hibberdene, on Saturday, is calling for volunteers with boats to help find his son.
Armaan’s uncle, Asif Khan, 36, a metro police officer based in south Durban, “died a hero” when he tried to save Armaan, 13.
Saleem Adam said his son, Armaan, and five others were in the water when they got into difficulty because of a rip-current.
“Ten of our family members went to the beach on Saturday. At about 12.20pm, seven of us were in the water when Armaan was caught in the current and pulled out to sea.
“I watched as this happened but I was not close enough to him to help him. Everyone was frantic. Armaan’s uncle, Asif Khan (his mother’s brother) tried to save him but he too got into difficulty. We managed to pull him out and despite resuscitation efforts, he passed on. Surfers were also trying to help Armaan, but they lost sight of him,” said Adam.
“A search was conducted by the Hibberdene Community Policing Forum and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). They searched in earnest for my son. But there was another drowning incident and they were called out to San Lameer. They came back later and searched, again. But there was no sign of my son. It is the most empty, horrible feeling. It is very hard to describe our emotions right now. My mind is unsettled as I have lost a gem in my life. Armaan was my youngest child and he was my everything,” added a distraught Adam.
“He has older twin sisters and a big brother. They too are traumatised and struggling to cope with this tragedy. There searches continued through the weekend, to no avail. The police and the NSRI searched by boat and using drones. Yesterday, a team of about 40 of us searched for over 37 hours, but we still could not find my son.
“People are still looking for Armaan. But we need support and volunteers to assist. We are calling for those with boats and those who have good swimming skills, as well as surfers and divers to help us find my son... please.
“Armaan loved the beach and he loved swimming. He was going for swimming lessons. He was also an excellent cricketer and he played for the Dolphins Cricket Club. He was enjoying his first two weeks in high school. He attended Kharwastan Secondary. We know that there is a slim chance that he may have survived this. But, if he did not, then we need to at least find his body,” said Adam.
Craig Lambinon, the spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), said all of them were caught in rip current.
“A 40-year-old man, also a family member of the child, was medically assisted on the scene, and suffering non-fatal drowning symptoms. He was transported to hospital by ambulance. We commend the doctor who assisted on the scene,” Lambinon added.
He said a search continued for the Armaan but despite extensive search efforts, there are still no signs of him.
“Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search for the teenager. Police have opened an Inquest docket. All thoughts, care and compassion are with the family and friends of the missing teenager.
“We also commend local public members who helped in preventing additional family members from entering the water which may have led to further tragedy in this already tragic incident,” Lambinon said.
Colonel Booysie Zungu, spokesperson for metro police, said Khan had died a hero.
“This is a painful incident. We have lost a very good member. I don't know how to describe how we are feeling as a team. In all this, we must remember that Asif died a hero, while trying to save his nephew. As a police officer, he was dedicated and everyone is in shock regarding his death. Members are crying and in grief. We send condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
“Asif was always helpful and he loved his job. He was based in the south region, and serviced the Chatsworth, Lamontville, Isipingo and Umlazi areas. Police are still searching for his nephew's body and will continue to search until it has been found,” Zungu said.
To assist in the search, contact Saleem Adam on 082 979 6639.