Donate Shop Call for Help Now Find a Base

NSRI EMERGENCY
OPERATION CENTRE (EOC)

087 094 9774
Supporters, donors, crew, retired crew, colleagues in the emergency services and friends gathered this morning to share in the special celebration of the naming and blessing of the 8.5m RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) Jack & Irene stationed at our NSRI Gordon's Bay Rescue Base.J&IFormer Station Commander, Stuart Burgess, shared fond memories and honoured the lives of the late Jack & Irene Riley who were the benefactors of two rescue vessels Jack Riley and Jack & Irene. Our Operations Director, Mark Hughes, then handed over the keys officially to Station 9 Gordons Bay.A special word of thanks to the rescue crew and Kim Gresse who made all the arrangements, to Lana and the Gordon's Bay Yacht Club for hosting us and to Stuart Burgess's mother who first introduced us to the Rileys - resulting in a very long and special friendship with NSRI.The new 8.5m Rescue Boat named in honour of her benefactors the late Jack and Irene Riley The new 8.5m Rescue Boat named in honour of her benefactors, the late Jack and Irene RileyStation Commander, Alan Meiklejohn welcomes guests to the naming of Jack & Irene Station Commander, Alan Meiklejohn, welcomes guests to the naming of Jack & IreneIMG_7355 A full house of 140 guests came to show their respectsFormer Station Commander, Stuart Burgess shares fond memories of the Late Jack & Irene Riley Former Station Commander, Stuart Burgess, shared wonderful stories about the late Jack & Irene RileyMark Hughes, Operations Director hands over the keys to Alan Meiklejohn (Station Commander) Mark Hughes, Operations Director, hands over the keys to Alan Meiklejohn (Station Commander)IMG_1646 Ryan Holmes (coxswain) prays a special blessing over their new boat Jack & IrenePsalm 107:23-29 (KJV)They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!Please help with this caption Coxswain Ivan Bauser, StatCom Alan Meiklejohn, Coxswain Ryan Holmes with Roy and Ursula HardingIMG_1651 Neil Slater and Clive Tesner assist Ursula Harding to do the honours: pouring champagne over her pontoons and naming her the Jack & Irene. 'May God bless her and all who sail in her.'Jilly Lay and David Hemus of Helderberg Village came to the function with Mr Moot Jilly Lay and David Hemus of Helderberg Village came to the function with Mr MootOur colleagues from Shark Spotters Our colleagues from Shark SpottersOur colleagues from Gordons Bay Security (GBSec) Our colleagues from Gordons Bay Security (GBSec)IMG_1626IMG_1664 Johann Lensink, Mark Burton, Brian Kingston and Rosy RosenstrauchIMG_1670 These gents have all served time as Deputy Station Commanders: Rosy, Anton and BrianFormer coxswain and Deputy Station Commander, Francois Stevens Former coxswain and Deputy Station Commander, Francois Stevens, inspects the new craftIMG_1666 Previous Station Commanders: Stuart Burgess, Mark Burton and Anton Prinsloo (unfortunately Nigel Pepperell had already left the function when this picture was taken)Fondly remembered, Uncle Jack and Aunty Irene Riley. Thank you for the generous legacy you left to us. Fondly remembered, Uncle Jack and Aunty Irene Riley. Thank you for the generous legacy you left us.Click here for a short video of the event.
Next Article

Boat capsizes, 1 man missing - Table Bay

Read More

You may also like

Oceans82024 Day1 187
 | Published: 23 May 2025

Oceans8: Making Waves for the NSRI and Others in Need

Every June, a different kind of tribute unfolds along Durban’s golden coastline. This tribute takes the form of grit, determination, and countless kilometres swum in the name of charity. We’re talking about the Oceans8 Charity Swim — an inspiring open-water ...

Photo of the month may thumb 824x572
NEWS  | Published: 21 May 2025

Photo of the month: May 2025

Send us your favourite photograph of NSRI people doing what we do, and you could win an NSRI shop voucher worth R250! Simply email your photo (which should be no smaller than 2MB) to news@searescue.org.za with 'Monthly photo' in the ...

Zinitha Manavele thumb 824x572
SURVIVAL SWIMMING  | Published: 21 May 2025

Zinitha’s remarkable journey from fearful beginner to inspiring instructor

When 18-year-old Zinitha Manavele first arrived at the Long Street swimming pool in October 2024, she could barely swim and was scared of water. Less than six months later, she’s a certified volunteer survival swimming instructor inspiring young learners – ...