At 17h40 on Monday the 24th of August, NSRI Durban duty crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) following a request for assistance from the Motor Vessel KISHORE reporting to have diverted from their voyage to investigate after witnessing red distress flares. Upon arrival at the source of the red distress flares they found a couple, and their dog, on the yacht SEE BROK, without motor or electrical power and with damage to their Main Sails, and requiring assistance.
'The MV KISHORE remained on-site pending Sea Rescue's arrival.
Clifford Ireland, NSRI Durban station commander said, 'NSRI Durban launched the sea rescue craft EIKOS RESCUER II and on arrival on the scene at approximately 22h45, a tow-line was rigged and the yacht was towed towards Durban’s Port in rough sea conditions with a 15 to 20 knot North Easterly wind and 3 meter swell.
'Both crew aboard SEE BROK and their dog were reported to be safe.
'The MV KISHORE was released to continue on her voyage.
'At approximately 10h30 this morning, with an estimated arrival time at the Port of Durban at midday, the crew aboard the SEE BROK reported their yacht to be taking water and sinking.
'The sea rescue craft attempted to get water extrication pumps onto the yacht but shortly thereafter the couple and their dog abandoned their yacht and were rescued aboard the sea rescue craft. The couple and their dog, a Schnauzer, were all wearing life-jackets and were not injured. The yacht sunk.
'The couple and their dog were brought safely into Port and SAMSA (The South African Maritime Safety Authority) and Police are investigating the incident.
'According to the couple, Mr and Mrs Lubbe, originally from Cape Town, their yacht got into difficulty shortly after launching from Zululand Yacht Club, Richards Bay, where they are residents on their yacht, on Sunday, 23rd August.
'Reportedly they drifted without motor or electrical power, under a make-shift sail before setting off red distress flares on Monday at around 16h00 to attract the attention of the KISHORE that were passing nearby at the time.'
