Spirit of Santam II, NSRI Saint Helena Bay’s new JetRIB blessed.

The blessing of a new rescue vessel is a time-honoured tradition in the NSRI.

The official naming and blessing of the JetRIB ‘Spirit of Santam II,’ the second JetRIB that Santam has funded (the first was at Station 16 Strandfontein in October 2023), took place at Station 44 St Helena Bay on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

“We have been a partner of NSRI for many years now, we appreciate what you do and it is an honour to partner with you,” said Tersia Mdunge, Santam’s Corporate Social Investment Manager

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NSRI CEO Dr. Cleeve Robertson said, ”Thank you to Santam for sponsoring this, amazing rescue craft. In the surf it is a game changer. JetRIBs have been responsible for many rescues and this one, Spirit of Santam II will be available to serve this community because of your kind donation.”

John Horn blessed the vessel, and Santam’s Cherie Josephs-Dramat completed the naming ceremony by pouring traditional champagne over the pontoon while saying, “ I name this rescue craft Spirit of Santam II. May God bless her and all who serve on her.”

More photographs are available on Sea Rescue’s Flickr page https://www.flickr.com/photos/searescue/albums/72177720315374408/