IMO London Trip

The United Nations honoured the NSRI Witsand crew in London at the

“International Maritime Organisation Awards for Exceptional Bravery

at Sea” where they were presented with certificates of commendation

in recognition of meritorious services rendered during the rescue

of yacht Gulliver crew.“The RNLI treated us like family and when we arrived at Heathrow, 

Andrew Steward of the Tower Station, met us and took us to his home 

to freshen up and have breakfast. He then took us on a guided bus 

tour of London before dropping us at our hotel. We felt like royalty.

The next evening, we were at Tower, and were given the royal treatment 

which included a trip on the Thames in their 8.5m 40 knt 'lifeboat'. 

Have you ever heard of a 40 knt lifeboat?? This took place in freezing 

rain, but we were all togged up in full RNLI kit (dry suits, boots, 

self-inflating lifejackets, communication helmets - more kit than 

Neal Armstrong had on when he landed on the moon I’m sure).

Michael Vlasto of the RNLI kindly hosted the South African 

contingent at the awards dinner; our South African High 

Commissioner was due to accompany us but he was unfortunately 

delayed at the last minute. After the function we got to know the Canadian rescue team and 

the Chief of the Navy of Canada come over to shake our hands, 

and to offer their support in whatever way they could assist 

us as a volunteer organisation. Those Canadians have big hearts. 

Our visit to the RNLI headquarters and training facility in Poole 

was a real eye opener. We loved it. Michael Vlasco again kindly 

escorted us around, introduced us to all and sundry, with the 

intro 'These South Africans are mad of course, totally loopy – 

no-one in his right mind would proceed into the sea off the 

Southern Cape coast in such a small boat!'

Every person who met us had read the story, or had been very 

well briefed. Our crew were allowed to test drive the boat 

simulator, which was fantastic and so realistic, it could 

make you sea sick. Then we visited the big training pool 

which has liferafts and a full weather simulator including 

thunder, lightning and hurricane winds.