Incidents at Mykonos, Langebaan, False Bay, Mossel Bay and Hermanus

Here is a weekly news report on some of the rescues that took place: NSRI Mykonos assist a capsized jet-ski; An NSRI rescue swimmer uses an NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy to save two swimmers caught in rip currents at Langebaan; NSRI Strandfontein assist a yacht with rudder failure; NSRI Mossel Bay, Police and the emergency services assist a man from the surf at Die Poort; NSRI Simonstown and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Marine officers investigate an overdue fishing boat; NSRI EOC, assisted by an off duty NSRI Table Bay crewman, investigate 2 children that went missing at Muizenberg Beach; NSRI Hermanus tow a whale carcass away from the coastline

NSRI Mykonos assist a capsized jet-ski:

On Saturday, 29 April, the NSRI Mykonos duty crew was activated in response to reports of a jet-ski capsized offshore near the NSRI Mykonos rescue station with one man onboard.

Upon arrival, it was discovered that a man had managed to safely make it to shore without assistance, suffering only minor cuts and bruises.

The man was assisted by Mykonos security personnel who provided first aid medical treatment. Following treatment, the man did not require any further assistance.

Mykonos rescue swimmers were deployed to assess the situation, and it was discovered that the casualty craft had been damaged and was water laden.

An NSRI rescue craft was launched and efforts were made to tow the casualty craft to shore. However, due to the casualty craft being heavily laden with water, the tow was unsuccessful.

NSRI rescue swimmers swam the casualty craft to shore without incident and the casualty craft was then recovered for the owner.

The NSRI commends the swift and effective response of all personnel involved in this incident. We would like to remind the public to always exercise caution and safety when enjoying activities on or near the water, said Nic Stevens, NSRI Mykonos station commander.

An NSRI rescue swimmer uses an NSRI Pink Rescue Buoy to save two swimmers caught in rip currents

In another incident, on Sunday, 30th April, an NSRI rescue swimmer noticed 2 people caught in a rip current at Paradise Beach.

The NSRI rescue swimmer grabbed an NSRI Pink Buoy, stationed at the beach, and launched into the water and successfully rescued the adult lady and a teenage boy from the water without incident.

They were not injured and they required no further assistance.

NSRI commend the swift action of our rescue swimmer in this case.

NSRI Strandfontein assist a yacht with rudder failure:

On Saturday, 29 April, at 15h00, , NSRI Strandfontein received a request for assistance from a sailing yacht in False Bay that was heading towards Simonstown.

The yacht had suffered a steering rudder failure and had rigged a temporary solution. They were happy to sail under the temporary steering rudder they had rigged and only expecting to arrive in Simonstown much later that night they only requested NSRI to be on alert.

Our NSRI Strandfontein duty controllers appealed to the skipper to accept an offer to tow the yacht to Simonstown, which would save them time but also be beneficial to NSRI crew to exercise towing techniques and sharpen our skills.

The skipper gladly accepted the request. Our NSRI Strandfontein available crews were activated and the NSRI rescue craft Grand West CSI was launched.

NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), Telkom Maritime Radio Services, TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) and NSRI Simonstown were placed on alert.

On arrival at the scene, just South of Seal Island, a towline was rigged, and the yacht was towed to Simonstown without incident. No further assistance was required.

This incident provided an opportunity for NSRI volunteers to practice their helmsmanship, night manoeuvres and towing skills, as well as to collaborate with Telkom Maritime Radio Services, Transnet National Port Authority, and maritime authorities. NSRI Strandfontein also deployed an illuminating flare on arrival at NSRI Strandfontein rescue station to illuminate the area assisting in the recovery of the NSRI rescue craft.

The skipper has been commended for accepting the offer of assistance and allowing NSRI to exercise their skills. We are pleased to report that all is well, and we thank the skipper and crew for their cooperation and trust in our services, said Nicolette Whitehead, NSRI Strandfontein station commander.

NSRI, Police and the emergency services assist a man from the surf at Die Poort:

On Sunday, 30 April, at 13h59, NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew, the SA Police Services, Police Sea Borderline Control, Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue Services and WC Government Health EMS responded.

The man had reportedly jumped into rough seas before being battered against rocks.

He had managed to get out of the water onto the rocks but it appeared that despite obvious cuts and bruises that he had sustained he had then jumped back into the water.

He was encouraged by Police and NSRI rescue swimmers to exit the water and after he was back on the rocks Police officers, Fire and Rescue Services officers took him into their care, bringing him safely off the rocks.

An off duty Bloubergstrand Big Bay Surf Lifesaving lifeguard also assisted in the operation.

The man was transported to hospital by EMS ambulance in a stable condition for further care, said JC Roos, NSRI Mossel Bay station commander

NSRI Simonstown and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Marine officers investigate an overdue fishing boat:

On Sunday, 30 April, at 19h44, NSRI Simonstown and CoCT (City of Cape Town) Law Enforcement Marine officers received reports of a fishing boat believed to be overdue at Kalk Bay Harbour, with an adult male skipper and two children on board.

A family member had raised concerns, reporting that they may be overdue from a day at sea. Initially, NSRI prepared to launch an rescue craft while NSRI shore crew and NSRI coast watchers scoured the shoreline. A vessel in Fish Hoek Bay that matched the description was also investigated.

During investigations, Law Enforcement Marine officers and NSRI Simonstown rescue crew found the fishing craft heading into Kalk Bay Harbour.

Everyone onboard was accounted for and safe and no further assistance was required. We commend the family member who raised concerns and reported the incident, as it is always better to err on the side of caution in these situations.

We remind the public to be vigilant when venturing out to sea, to ensure that all safety protocols and regulations are followed, and to report any incidents or concerns to the relevant authorities as soon as possible. We are grateful for the collaboration and support of CoCT Law Enforcement Marine officers in this matter, said Simon McDonnell, NSRI Simonstown station commander.

NSRI EOC, assisted by an off duty NSRI Table Bay crewman, investigate 2 children that went missing:

On Sunday, 30 April, during the early evening NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) was alerted by a mother at Muizenberg Beach, reporting that her two children were suspected to be missing at the beach. An NSRI Table Bay crewman in the vicinity at the time and he investigated the incident. Very shortly into the investigations, the two children were found safe, and no further assistance was required.

We remind the public to always remain vigilant when at the beach, to keep a close eye on children, and to report any incidents or concerns to the relevant authorities as soon as possible. We are grateful for the quick response and collaboration of our NSRI Table Bay crewman and the support of the public in this matter.

NSRI remains committed to providing a swift, professional, and effective service to all those who venture out to sea or visit our beautiful beaches, said Jason Samuels, NSRI EOC duty controller.

NSRI Hermanus tow a whale carcass away from the coastline:

On Thursday, 4 May, at 16h27, NSRI Hermanus received a call for assistance to tow a whale carcass out to sea.

Our NSRI Hermanus duty crew launched the NSRI rescue craft The Legacy rendezvousing at the location of the carcass, just off-shore of the Hermanus New Harbour.

NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed into the water and towlines were established to the Bryde’s Whale carcass.

We successfully towed the whale carcass away from the coastline where, deep sea, the carcass was released to drift with the currents.

The whale species is not yet identified.

The whale carcass drifted ashore at a remote beach at Sopiesklip, between Hermanus and Gansbaai as that was the intentions of the operation.

The Marine Animal Stranding Network are notified.

We urge the public to exercise caution and stay clear of the area where the whale carcass has come ashore. It is important to keep a safe distance from the carcass as it poses a significant risk to the safety of the public and may attract sharks to the area.

The NSRI remains committed to ensuring the safety of all those who use our waters, including the marine life that inhabits them. We encourage everyone to report any marine animal distress to the relevant authorities to ensure their safety and preservation, said Andre Barnard, NSRI Hermanus station commander.

NSRI Hermanus duty crew are commended for their swift response and dedication to ensuring the safety of the public and marine life.