Full scale rescue operation for nothing

[JazzeD]

He was diving alone at night without a permit in a well know area where poachers are known to dive and take out abalone and crayfish.............

 

[JamesFL]

The article says "a missing scuba diver nearly sparked a full scale search and rescue operation in Cape Town - until the man's mother informed rescuers that her son had in fact been locked by the police". (bold added)

So it looks like the S & R may have been caught in time. Being put in jail is pretty severe for diving without a permit...

"for allegedly being found diving in a protected marine reserve without a permit." (bold added)

You probably need a permit to dive in the area, not a diving permit in general. Probably to protect a reef or something.