Family Ends Search for Rikus Kylander After Teen Disappears While Snorkelling in Mozambique

The family of Rikus Kylander have officially ended their search for the 18-year-old South African who disappeared while snorkelling in Mozambique, a decision that has left many across the country deeply saddened.

Rikus, from Krugersdorp in Gauteng, was visiting Mozambique with friends to celebrate completing matric when he went missing. The former Noordheuwel High School learner reportedly entered the ocean at around 1pm on 18 December 2025 and was never seen again.

Disappearance During Celebration Trip

The trip was meant to mark a milestone in Rikus’s life, a moment of freedom and celebration after finishing school. Instead, it turned into a nightmare for his family and friends.

According to reports, Rikus was snorkelling when he disappeared, prompting an urgent response from local authorities, volunteers and members of the community. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of him was found in the days that followed.

Family’s Tireless Search Comes to an End

Following the news of his disappearance, Rikus’s family travelled to Mozambique and spent weeks searching for him. They conducted searches both day and night, holding on to hope despite the growing uncertainty.

After 22 days of continuous effort, the family made the heartbreaking decision to call off the official search. The announcement marked the end of an emotionally and physically exhausting ordeal that drew widespread sympathy from South Africans.

Gratitude for Widespread Support

Rikus’s family, including his relative Clarise, expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported them during the search. They said they were overwhelmed by the compassion shown by friends, strangers, volunteers and communities both in South Africa and Mozambique.

While the family has stopped actively searching, Clarise noted that local community members and volunteers in Mozambique would continue to keep a watchful eye out for any sign of Rikus.

A Nation Shares the Grief

News of the search being called off has prompted an outpouring of messages from South Africans, many of whom followed the story closely. For many parents and young people, the tragedy has served as a sobering reminder of how quickly moments of joy can turn into loss.

The disappearance of a young person at the very start of adulthood has resonated deeply, particularly as it occurred during what should have been a celebratory chapter of Rikus’s life.

Remembering Rikus Kylander

As the search ends, attention has shifted to supporting the family as they come to terms with the uncertainty surrounding Rikus’s fate. While there are no clear answers, the hope remains that clarity, in some form, may one day emerge.

For now, South Africans continue to hold the Kylander family in their thoughts, united in grief and compassion for a young life that vanished too soon.