Medhi Narjissi swept away by a wave: what was the French rugby team doing on the beach where the player disappeared ?

On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the player of the French Rugby team ;nbsp;Medhi Narjissi disappeared in South Africa. He was apparently swept away by a wave. Swimming on this beach was not recommended.

A drama infused with mystery. On Wednesday, French youth rugby team player Medhi Narjissi disappeared at sea while swimming off a South African beach.

Two days later, a question arises: why were the athletes on a beach that is not recommended for swimming ?

Carried away by the waves and the current

The circumstances of the player's disappearance at Diaz Beach are still unclear.“Medhi was swept away by a wave this Wednesday afternoon, at the Cape of Good Hope, in South Africa, where the men's under-18 team had been traveling since July 31 to compete in the International Series”, explains the FFR in a press release.

The beach is known for its danger. Swimming is not recommended there because of the currents. On the day the athlete disappeared, the waves there reached four meters in height, reports France 3. In addition, sharks are regularly spotted from the coast.

A recovery session by the sea

If the beach was so dangerous, why was the team there?? The French Rugby Federation explained the reasons for this outing in a press release.

“According to the initial information gathered, the team was taking part in a recovery session in a cold bath, by the sea, at Diaz Beach, in the presence of staff members, at a place where the players had their feet”, assures the FFR.

Before adding: “As soon as the alert was given of the disappearance, the local authorities mobilized significant resources to find the young player. The search by the National Institute for Sea Rescue resumed this morning."

Repatriation of players

The South African Rugby Federation has organized the upcoming arrival of Medhi's family. As for his teammates, they will be repatriated during the day.

In addition, "a psychological unit has been activated to listen to the young players and their supervisors".