Mike Shaw, NSRI Mykonos station commander, said:At 11h25, Thursday, 18 June, NSRI Mykonos duty crew were activated following reports of 2 local fishermen, age 35 and 46, on a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) being swept out to sea off-shore between Jacobs Bay and South Head Lighthouse, Donkergat, Langebaan, after their boat suffered engine failure in up to 35 knot gusting off-shore winds.The 2 fishermen had launched earlier in the day at Jacobs Bay.It appears that they had drifted into deep water rendering efforts to anchor their boat unsuccessful and they were being blown further out to sea.NSRI Mykonos launched the sea rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 5 and an NSRI sea rescue vehicle responded.NSRI Mykonos duty controllers, NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre), NSRI ASR (Airborne Sea Rescue), the SA Air Force (SAAF) 35 Squadron and 22 Squadron, and Telkom Maritime Radio Services were alerted.A search grid was plotted.NSRI Yzerfontein were placed on alert.While a search commenced in choppy seas with strong winds Telkom Maritime Radio Services broadcast an all ships alert on the marine VHF radio emergency frequency for all ships in the area to keep a look-out.A SAAF 35 Squadron fixed wing aircraft and NSRI ASR initiated preparations to be deployed to join in the search.WC Government Health EMS were placed on alert.During the search wind speed conditions reduced considerably.At 14h12 a motor vessel at anchorage deep-sea offshore due West of South Head lighthouse contacted the search and rescue authorities with news that their crew onboard believed that they had the casualty craft in sight.Our sea rescue craft diverted to respond to that vicinity and the 2 fishermen were located safe and not injured onboard their boat 6 nautical miles due West of South Head lighthouse.A towline was rigged and they were towed to the Pepper Bay public slipway on Langebaan lagoon and their boat was recovered and no further assistance was required.NSRI commend the crew of the motor vessel who spotted them and all involved in this search and rescue operation are commended for their combined efforts leading to a successful outcome.
SAFETY:NSRI are encouraging the West Coast fishing community and all boaters and paddlers launching to go to sea to carry fully charged cell phones and to download and use the
NSRI RSA Safetrx free cell phone app.
