Search ends in tragedy: 20-year-old South African man’s body found off Greek coast

The body of 20-year-old South African national Benjamin Bezuidenhout was found on Friday while diving off the Greek coast following a frantic search.

Bezuidenhout was repairing a catamaran for a shipping company when the incident occurred.

It is understood the Knysna High School student, who went missing on Thursday, had apparently free-dive into northern Sami waters off Kefalonia.

He was last seen alive near a catamaran wearing a snorkel and mask.

The Coast Guard immediately launched a frantic search and his family also pleaded for help on social media.

The Greek Coast Guard, private boats, a diver and a Greek Air Force helicopter were involved in the search. Tragically, the young man’s body was found near where he was last seen swimming. Greek City Times Reported The cause of Bezuidenhout’s death is unclear, but it is thought he may have been swept into a rapid and hit rocks.

Marisha Bezuidenhout confirmed in a social media post that her son’s body had been found.

she says:

“They were anchored off the shore (north of Sami). Very close to shore. He went for a swim and didn’t get back on the boat. He liked to explore, so he might have been on shore, maybe injured on the rocks. We don’t know. He didn’t tell anybody he was going ashore. He was last seen in the water.

“He was in a good mood and they were relaxed,” she said.

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Knysna High School expressed its condolences.

The school said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Benjamin Bezuidenhout (Class of 2022). We extend our deepest condolences to his parents and family.”