Ian Gray, NSRI Port Elizabeth station commander, said: “At 08h00, Saturday, 01st August, NSRI Port Elizabeth duty crew were activated following reports from EC Government Health EMS of a boat capsized in the Swartkops River Mouth.
“EC Government Health EMS, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Fire and Rescue Services, Blue Water Bay Sector Police, Blue Water Bay lifeguards and Coastal Rescue were responding and NSRI Port Elizabeth launched the sea rescue craft EIKOS RESCUER IV.
“On NSRI’s arrival on the scene it was found that a 5 meter rubber-duck had capsized in waves in 2 to 3 meter swells during the Spring Tide outgoing tide in the Swartkops River Mouth with three adult Port Elizabeth men onboard.
“One man was assisted out of the water by local surfers.
“The remaining two men were rescued by Blue Water Bay lifeguards on a rescue Jet-Ski.
“Only one man was transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition by ambulance suffering from a suspected spinal injury and the remaining two men were not injured.
“The casualty boat washed ashore on the Western side of the river mouth and was recovered by Blue Water Bay Sector Police.
“No further assistance was required and the surfers who assisted the one man and the Blue Water Bay lifeguards who assisted the remaining two men are commended for their swift response.”
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