Community Pulls Together as Search for Missing 7-Year-Old Girl Continues

As NSRI Hermanus confirmed to SAPeople today that the search operation is still ongoing for the missing 7-year-old Claremont girl, who was swept off rocks by waves at Betty’s Bay on Friday, they have thanked the community for their incredible support.

Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search, little Louise Fowler has not been found… and only items of clothing belonging to her have been recovered from the water so far. She is presumed to have drowned, said NSRI.

NSRI Station 17 Hermanus said in a message on Facebook to the community: “This has been a very difficult weekend for our crew. They gave up their whole weekend in search of a little girl but done without any hesitations.

“The support we got from the community joining in the search, drone owners driving through from Cape Town offering their time in searching, petrol stations fueling our vessel at no charge.

“What an amazing community we live in.

“But the search is still ongoing. To every single person who offered their time and assistance in helping us, we salute you.

“Her parents also asked that we convey their thanks and gratitude to you all.”

The missing child is presumed to have drowned.

The Police Dive Unit will continue in an ongoing search and recovery operation and Police have opened an investigation into the incident, said NSRI.

Louise’s family are being supported by their family and friends.

One Facebook user, Barry Jessop, said that Louise “is part of our church family at Christ Church, Kenilworth. It is difficult to comprehend the death of a child or the depth of her family’s grief. Please pray that her body will soon be found and that Christ’s love and compassion will enfold her parents Ryan and Kim and younger sister Claire.”

Louise’s primary school said: “The Greenfield community mourns the tragic passing of LOUISE FOWLER, a Grade 1 Greenie. Our hearts and prayers go out to Kim, Ryan, Claire and their friends and family. The loss of a child is indescribable. May the loving memories they have of Louise carry them through their grief, and may God bless them and walk alongside them.