Yacht assisted off the Port of Durban and lifeguards search for a man missing in the surf at uMhlanga

Clifford Ireland, NSRI Durban duty coxswain, said:At 13h10, Sunday, 04th November, NSRI Durban duty crew were activated following a request for for assistance for a yacht South of the Port of Durban Breakwater experiencing motor failure and although coping to sail in the heavy weather conditions needing assistance to get into Port on arrival.The sea rescue craft Eikos Rescuer II was launched into a 40 knot wind, gusting to to 45 knots, and a rough sea state of 4 to 5 meter swells.The yacht was located approximately 3 nautical miles South of of the Port of Durban and the local skipper was comfortably sailing the yacht using a storm Jib but in the strong North Easterly wind he would not reach the harbour entrance and make the turn safely into port.In challenging conditions a tow line was secured to the casualty yacht which was towed by our sea rescue craft to Port at 3 knots and safely delivered to her moorings and requiring no further assistance.The operation was completed at 16h00.At 14h20, Sunday, 04th October, NSRI Durban were alerted to reports of a man missing in the surf at La Lucia Beach, Umhlanga.Umhlanga lifeguards were alerted and a search for a man missing in the surf commenced.Umhlanga lifeguards and emergency services conducted an extensive search but no sign of a man, believed to be aged 25, who reportedly went missing in the surf while swimming, has been found.