George Washington University Student Presumed to Have Drowned in South Africa, Rescue Group Says

A George Washington University student missing in South Africa is presumed to have drowned, a rescue group said.

Nicholas Upton, a GW junior, has not been seen since going swimming in the East Cape Province on Sunday at about 10:30 p.m. local time (about 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time), according to a statement from the university.

Upton, 19, has been studying at the University of Cape Town. He was in a group of 11 people who went swimming Sunday evening. He disappeared after appearing to get into trouble in the surf line, according to a release from South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

Upton is presumed to have drowned, the NSRI said.

Adverse weather conditions have hampered search attempts.

Upton, who is from Connecticut, has been studying abroad in South Africa and was traveling during a break from classes.

Cape Town authorities are searching for Upton and are coordinating with study abroad program representatives, Upton's family and the U.S. Embassy, GW officials said in a statement.

"We continue to hope and pray for Nicholas' safe return," GW officials said earlier Monday.

Upton is a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and the GW men's rowing team, according to Kappa Alpha's Facebook page, the GW Hatchet reported.

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