Unpaid volunteers serving their country

Team spirit and a desire to serve were the themes at the National Sea Rescue Institute AGM, held at the Waterfront on Thursday, 26 August. Awards for going beyond the call of duty were handed to sea rescue volunteers from NSRI Agulhas and NSRI Melkbosstrand as well as to a member of the public, also from Melkbosstrand.Discovery Holdings Limited were presented with The Alric Simpson Floating Trophy, which is awarded annually to a person who, or an organization which, has rendered distinguished service to Sea Rescue. Long-service awards honoured the faithful: 35 years (Brad Geyser - St8 Hout Bay), 30 years (Phil Ress), 25 years (Garth van den Heuvel - St3 Table Bay, Geoff McGregor and Ken Elliot - St7 East London and Ian Ruthven - St8 Hout Bay), 20 years (Gavin Reid – St6 Port Elizabeth, Roger Nielson - St9 Gordons Bay and Andre Fraser – St15 Mossel Bay)The best station award went to Mossel Bay and the most improved station award went to Port Alfred.The Marmion Marsh Memorial trophy was presented to Chris Hudson for his tireless service to the cause of sea rescue.More photos available here.We have just heard that the International Maritime Organisation has awarded Certificates of Commendation in recognition of meritorious services rended to our St18 (Melkbosstrand) coxswain Myck Jubber, crewman Kobus Meyer and crewman Kim Germishuys who went to the assistance of the Seli 1 off Dolphin Beach, Table Bay late at night on 07 September 2009.