Controversial Cape rugby referee Carl Spannenberg reportedly drowned at Zeekoevlei on Sunday afternoon after jumping from a boat.
Spannenberg was in the news recently over alleged incidents of sexual harassment and drunken driving.
A friend, who allegedly nearly drowned while trying to rescue him, was taken to Victoria Hospital after being saved by divers.
By late last night, Metro police rescue services were still searching for Spannenberg.
Spannenberg and a group of friends appear to have gone on a boat ride when the incident occurred. No further details were available.