UPDATE: Redding Man Missing in South Africa Presumed to Have Drowned

UPDATE: The Redding man who went missing in South Africa is presumed to have drowned, according to South African authorities.

The National Sea Rescue Institute were alerted Monday of a missing 19-year-old American male.

Six students from a group of 11 went swimming around 11 p.m. local time on Sunday when the male student went missing, authorities said. Unfavorable weather conditions and the remote location of the area led to first responders arriving at the scene around 10 a.m.

Despite an extensive search effort, the rescue was called off. Police will continue an ongoing search operation and are investigating the incident.

ORIGINAL POST:

A Redding man and student at George Washington University has gone missing in South Africa, according to the University.

Nicholas Upton, a junior at GWU has not been seen since he was swimming in the Eastern Cape Province on Aug. 30 around 10:30 p.m. local time.

The university was notified of the incident by their study abroad partner in Cape Town.

“Local authorities in Cape Town are conducting a search and are coordinating with program representatives, his family and the U.S. Embassy. We are closely monitoring this situation and are in touch with his family. We continue to hope and pray for Nicholas’ safe return,” the University said in a statement.

Upton is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity at GWU.

Image via GWU