An investigation was opened by Police after a stolen NSRI JetRIB rescue craft was found destroyed by fire.
The SA Police Services, assisted by CoCT Law Enforcement and CoCT Metro Police, are investigating a case of stolen and damaged property at NSRI Strandfontein.
On Sunday morning NSRI crew arriving at NSRI Strandfontein rescue station for routine training discovered that the rescue station had been broken into during the early hours of the morning and an NSRI JetRIB rescue craft was missing.
The 4 padlocks to the slipway boat gate were found open and damaged.
Police and Law Enforcement initiated investigations and a Police case was opened.
During Sunday afternoon, what appeared to be a boat recently destroyed by a fire, was located on an open field in Blikkiesdorp, Delft.
Police and Law Enforcement investigated and it is confirmed that the destroyed boat is the NSRI Strandfontein JetRIB rescue craft.
The craft has been completely destroyed by fire.
It is suspected that parts of the craft may have been stripped before being set alight.
Investigations include an alarm notification indicating the rescue station main gates for the NSRI rescue craft was set on at 02h06 and went off at 02h10.
The NSRI JetRIB Rescue Craft:Technical Details:
o Jet Ski : Yamaha VX 1050 (110 HP)
o Hull : Extension hull with a Hypalon pontoon permanently attached
o Engine: 3 Cylinder four stroke
o Fuel: 70 Litre capacity
It is suspected that the Yamaha VX 1050 motor may have been stripped from the craft before it was set alight.
While NSRI has suffered theft of rescue assets and break in's at NSRI rescue stations in the past we have never experienced a case where a rescue craft was stolen and later found gutted by fire.
On 14 September, 2021 an IMRF (International Maritime Rescue Federation) Award for Innovation and Technology was awarded to the South African JetRIB, designed in 2019 by Admiral Powercats, Droomers Yamaha and the NSRI.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2021/09/waves-of-elation-sweep-across-the-nsri-after-winning-two-awards/
An NSRI JetRIB rescue craft fully kitted for rescue operations costs R650 000.
NSRI are appealing to anyone with information regarding this case to contact the SA Police Services. A case has been opened at Strandfontein Police Station.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: CRAIG LAMBINON - NSRI COMMUNICATIONS:
+27 (0) 823803800 communications@searescue.org.za
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