Weekend rescue round up

NSRI Alert:Since this morning, Sunday, 04 February, 4 False Killer Whales (including a calf) have reportedly been swimming inside the Port of Table Bay in the V&A Marina.The Department of Environmental Affairs - Oceans and Coasts (DEA) has urged boaters to give these False Killer Whales as wide a berth as possible when maneuvering boats around the Marina Basin.Yesterday, Saturday, 03 February, members of the public assisted to re-float what was believed to be 3 False Killer Whales beached at Sunset Beach, Milnerton.NSRI Melkbosstrand and DEA responded to the incident and found that all three marine animals had been refloated by the public.The reason for the beachings are unknown although it was suspected that one of the animals may have been injured. Pic: Boating NetworkKNYSNA:On Thursday, 01st February, at 18h39, NSRI Knysna duty crew launched 2 sea rescue craft, Jaytee IV and Eileen Meadway following reports of a yacht run aground at Pansy Bank, between Knysna Heads and Leisure Island.On arrival on the scene NSRI found a French solo sailor on the yacht Gemsbok II. He had been coming in through the Heads when an outgoing tide may have contributed to his yacht running aground.Using the 2 sea rescue craft and rope the yacht was freed and the yacht has been towed by NSRI to the Knysna Yacht ClubSHELLY BEACH:2 NSRI Shelly Beach crew members, who were at the NSRI Shelly Beach base at the time, on Saturday, 03rd February, assisted at the beach where an adult female had suffered from seizures on a boat.The patient was brought to the NSRI first aid room and an ambulance was summoned but the family took her to hospital in their care by their private transport.HAWSTON:At 15h30, Saturday, 03rd February, NSRI Hermanus responded to Hawston where a 4 meter boat capsized with 3 adult males onboard.The sea rescue craft Jaytee III was launched on-site and a search commenced for a 42 year old local man missing in the surf.The remaining 2 men had been rescued from the water by a passing boat and they were not injured and they were safely ashore.Despite an extensive search no sign of the missing man has been found and a Police Dive Unit will continue with an ongoing search operation.Police have opened an investigation.The boat which was damaged was recovered.BETTY’S BAY:NSRI Gordons Bay duty crew were activated at 13h36, Saturday, 03rd February, following reports of a drowning in progress at Betty’s Bay where 2 people were reportedly being swept out to sea.Overberg Fire and Rescue Services, GB Med Security ambulance services and WC Government Health EMS also responded.On arrival on the scene it was found that 4 young men from Brackenfell were in difficulty in the surf and NSRI believe that one of the group got into difficulty and the rest of the group went to his aid but it appears that they then also got into difficulty.All were found safely out of the water and two of the men were treated by paramedics for non-fatal drowning symptoms and they have been transported to hospital in stable conditions for observation.The remaining two men were not injured.KLEINMOND:At 11h15, Sunday, 04 February, NSRI Hermanus duty crew were activated to respond to Kleinmond Lagoon following reports of CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts being conducted on a 9 year old male child (from De Doorns) following a drowning accident at the bridge where a group of children had been swimming.NSRI rescue crew and EMR ambulance services responded.On arrival on the scene paramedics continued with CPR and a heart beat and spontaneous breathing was restored.The child was transported to hospital by EMR ambulance in a serious but stable condition.LAMBERTS BAY:This morning, Sunday, 04th February, NSRI Lamberts Bay duty crew launched the sea rescue craft Douglas Murray and TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Rescue Runner to investigate reports of a whale beached 5 nautical miles North of Lamberts Bay.A Whale Shark was found beached and in an advanced unhealthy state. Authorities were notified.Investigations were made to see if the Whale Shark could be towed out to sea burt a reef between the beach and open water prevented this.Nature Conservation are alerted and they are investigating.DAPPAT SE GAT:At 15h08, Sunday, 04th February, NSRI Gordons Bay duty crew responded to Dappat Se Gat, Koegel Baai, at The Caves, following reports of a drowning in progress.WC Government Health EMS rescue squad, GB Med Security ambulance services, ER24 ambulance services, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services rescue dive unit and the SA Police Services were activated.On arrival on the scene a 22 year old male was found safely out of the water and he was checked by paramedics before being released requiring no further assistance.