Charter skipper receives award

Just over a year ago Chris Korsten of Tyde Fishing Charters, operating from the Sonny Evans Small Boat Harbour, Shelly Beach, found nine (9) divers who had been lost at sea for more than three hours.A search for the divers was initiated at about 09h30 on 11November 2012. Station 20 Shelly Beach launched two vessels and Station 32 Port Edward launched their 7.3m boat. A number of other fishing charter boats, dive boats and pleasure boats joined the search.Chris with crewman and friend, Barney Lotz who has subsequently passed away, joined the search in his boat, Tyde Too, plotted a course from the last known location of the divers, did drift and current calculations and finally found the divers.He received the commendation from Eddie Noyons, the NSRI Operations Board Chairman during the weekly crew meeting at the rescue base last night.“I dedicate this award to Barney. He was always ready to help anyone in distress at any time. He gave unstintingly of his time and funds to help” he said in accepting the commendation.Submitted by John Rolt Chris Korsten (right) of Tyde Fishing Charters receives his commendation certificate from Eddie Noyons