By Emma Xerri
A 20-year-old Cranbourne man is still missing after becoming caught in a rip off Number 16 Beach in Rye on Sunday evening.
It is believed the man was swimming with two people, about 100m from the shore, when they were caught in the rip.
Emergency services were called to the area off Browns Road and Tasman Drive at around 7pm, and a search of the area commenced with the assistance of the police Air Wing, Water Police, Lifesaving Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and SES units.
The man and woman, both in their 20s, made it back to the shore and are now in a stable condition at Frankston Hospital, while the Cranbourne man remains unaccounted for.
The search for the man resumed this morning but police said high winds and strong swells were making the task difficult.
With temperatures as high as 40 degrees celsius across the state making for busy beaches, the incident is amongst a number of the significant incidents taking place on the weekend.
Eight people were rescued at Cape Schanck, just 16km from Rye’s Number 16 Beach, with two of the swimmers requiring hospital treatment.
Meanwhile, a man drowned on Saturday after large waves trapped him underneath his capsized tinny in Barwon Heads.
A scuba diver also lost his life after being pulled unconscious from the water at Rye Pier on Saturday.
Anyone who has information about the incident involving the Cranbourne man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
