Milnerton Police on Monday said a man who attacked a woman at Lagoon Bay and then ran into the ocean was still missing.

The 25-year old victim was rushed to hospital with multiple stab wounds whilst it is understood that construction workers from a nearby building site pursued her assailant.

He ran into the ocean and disappeared beneath the waves.

An eyewitness to the incident, Zayne Dawson, said he saw the man attack the woman.

“He pulled out a knife and started stabbing her in the chest, the arms and legs. It took me about 30 seconds to get down to where he was, to try and help the lady. I think he stabbed her about 15 times,” said Dawson.

Police and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) launched a search for the suspect on Sunday but were unsuccessful.

The police’s Daphne Dell said they assuming the man may have drowned.

“Currently we are investigating a case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. The progress of the case will be determined if a body is found or not,” said Dell.