Justin Erasmus, NSRI Port Elizabeth station commander, said:At 14h35, Wednesday, 27th of May, NSRI Port Elizabeth duty crew launched the sea rescue craft Spirit of Toft, accompanied by an EC Government Health EMS rescue paramedic, to rendezvous with an ore carrier motor vessel to patient evacuate a 25 year old Indian seaman suffering a medical condition (not Covid 19 related).NSRI Port Elizabeth had been placed on alert by TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) at 20h30 the evening before to prepare for the arrival of the ship the next day.Observing all Covid-19 precautions and protocols NSRI Emergency Operations Centre, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, WC Government Health EMS, EC Government Health EMS, NSRI Port Elizabeth duty controllers, Transnet National Ports Authority and Port Health Authorities assisted Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in communications, coordination and logistics during the operation.We rendezvoused with the ship in the shelter of Algoa Bay in 3 to 4 meter swells and a 12 to 15 knot South Westerly wind and the ship provided a lee against the swells and the wind.The EMS rescue paramedic and an NSRI rescue swimmer boarded the ship and took over care of the patient from the ships medical crew.The patient, in a stable condition and walking wounded, was secured into a harness and supported by a safety rope line he walked down the gang plank and climbed down a ladder to the sea rescue craft and he was safely taken onboard the sea rescue craft.In the care of the EMS rescue paramedic the patient was brought to our sea rescue station and he has been transported to hospital by EMS ambulance for further medical care.The operation completed at 17h15. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is the charity that saves lives on South African waters. Our goal is to prevent drowning through rescue operations, education and prevention initiatives.Operating from base stations along the SA coastline, and on inland dams, our rescue volunteers are on call, at all hours, every day of the year. Our rescue crew receive no payment and neither do we charge the people we rescue. We visit schools around the country teaching children about water safety. Drowning prevention measures include our online training academy, with free courses for crew and the public, emergency signage, Pink Rescue Buoys for emergency flotation, rescue swimmers, lifeguards and active patrols during peak seasons.Our organisation is totally reliant on donations and sponsorships. This enables us to do the work of saving lives, changing lives and creating futures.
SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY: 112 or 087 094 9774
