East London, Mossel Bay, Durban and Hermanus

EAST LONDON:Geoff McGregor, NSRI East London station commander, said: At 17h30, Wednesday, 18th October, NSRI were alerted by MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) of a crewman reported to be critically injured with injuries and fractures to both legs and both thighs onboard the bulk carrier MV Grand Amanda approximately 189 nautical miles off-shore of the East Coast and re-routing towards East London.A Government Health EMS duty doctor had provided medical advice to the ships crew to aid in treating the patient and unfavourable sea conditions and the distance ruled out a helicopter patient evacuation and the ship was diverted to head towards nearest Port.While efforts were underway to arrange a helicopter patient evacuation for first light the following morning the TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Pilot boat transported Dynamic ambulance services rescue paramedics to the vessel once she was closer to the Port of East London but extremely rough seas and gusting to 50 knot Easterly winds prevented paramedics from boarding the ship.NSRI Durban, NSRI Port Elizabeth, NSRI ASR, the TNPA Port Helicopter and both the SA Air Force (SAAF) 15 Squadron and 15 Squadron Charlie Flight remained on alert throughout the night in the event weather and sea conditions subsided to allow for a helicopter rescue effort.Medical kit was able to be transferred aboard the vessel during the night and NSRI East London made ready again at 05h00 on Thursday morning, despite a wind direction change to Westerly winds gusting to 40 knots, to attempt to board the ship at sea but prior to launching it was confirmed that sadly the patient succumbed to his injuries and passed away during the early hours of the morning.Sincere condolences are conveyed to ship mates, friends and family of the deceased man.MOSSEL BAY:Andre Fraser, NSRI Mossel Bay station commander, said: At 21h00, Wednesday, 18th October, NSRI Mossel Bay were alerted following reports of a lady, aged in her early 50's, from Benoni, and on holiday in Mossel Bay with her partner, missing after going for a walk in the vicinity of Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay, earlier in the day.NSRI Mossel Bay and the SA Police Services conducted an extensive search which was suspended at 03h00 on Thursday morning and resumed at first light.A Police K-9 search and rescue team joined NSRI Mossel Bay and Police in an ongoing search and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter joined in the search.During an ongoing search a Police K-9 search and rescue team located the body of the lady along the coastline near to Pinnacle Point and the body of the lady was recovered and taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services and Police. Police have opened an inquest docket.Sincere condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased woman.DURBAN:Clifford Ireland, NSRI Durban station commander, said: At 11h40 NSRI Durban were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) following reports from the TNPA security at the end of the North Breakwater reporting having witnessed two paddlers exiting the Port of Durban channel and falling out of a canoe and being blown out of the harbour entrance in South Westerly wind of approximately 35 to 40 knots.The Port Authority tasked two of the offshore supply vessels, Hamba Landa and Transporter, to assist in a search.NSRI requested the immediate assistance of the Lifeguards who provided two 4m rubber ducks and beach searching vehicles. The SAPS waterwing also assisted in the search with their vessel. NSRI Durban launched the sea rescue craft Eikos Rescuer II and Megan II and full search and rescue operation was commenced.During the search lifeguards made contact with two paddlers at Umhlanga and following discussions with the paddlers it appeared that these were the same paddlers who had reportedly had some difficulty at the harbour entrance earlier but were then able to get back onto their canoe and continue on a downwind paddle to Umhlanga and were now safe.The search was called off and resources were released from the search and we returned to base.HERMANUS:Deon Langenhoven, NSRI Hermanus station commander, said: At 16h24, Thursday, 19th October, NSRI Hermanus duty crew were activated following reports of two 12 year old boys from Pretoria, on holiday in Hermanus with family, missing on the Klein River Lagoon.Parents of the children reported the 2 boys launching a SUP (Stand-up Paddle Board) which had been located later washed ashore but no sign of the 2 children could be found.The sea rescue craft Jaytee III was launched onto the lagoon and the SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter was activated.Shortly into a search operation the 2 boys were found safe ashore. They had both gone in search of help reporting that after they had launched on the lagoon they were swept away by strong winds and eventually they abandoned the paddle board and making it safely to shore they were found by family members while they were seeking assistance along the shoreline.All rescue resources were stood down no longer required.NSRI are urging anyone launching any kind of craft onto water to always wear a properly fitting life-jacket.