NSRI crew listen as David Black ( right ) thank them for rescuing him. Standing next to David is his father Mert.Today the Black family announced a donation of R100 000 to Sea Rescue Simon's Town, thanking the NSRI volunteers for saving 26 year old David Black's life.David is the surf skier who was rescued on the 13th of December by NSRI Simon's Town. He was in a desperate situation with a broken and sinking surf-ski off Simon's Town in a South East gale.Luckily David had a cell phone in a waterproof pouch and was able to make the emergency call. As the light faded the odds of finding him decreased. A huge search and rescue operation was under way when local kayak operator Derek Goldman, looking through a spotting scope from his home, spotted David's green rash vest in the wild sea and was able to guide the rescue boat to him.In his speech at the Sea Rescue base Mert Black appealed to surf skiers to put day glow colours on their surf ski's, PFDs and rash vests.'Bright colours will make it so much easier for the NSRI to find you. And they might just save your life,' said Mr Black.
David Black (centre) with Derek Goldman (left) who spotted him in the wild sea and directed the Sea Rescue boat to him. On the right is Yvette du Preez who talked to David via cell phone throughout his ordeal.
Port Elizabeth Casevac
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