On Friday, July 19, the NSRI held its 57th Annual Awards Evening and AGM at the Capital Zimbali in Ballito. This event was a heartfelt celebration of our devoted volunteers and other courageous individuals who selflessly risk their lives to rescue others on South African waters. We honored their unwavering commitment and extraordinary acts of bravery, acknowledging the vital role they play in ensuring the safety and well-being of those in peril at sea.
Bravery Gold | Jace Govender
For his selfless actions during the 2022 KZN Floods
Read more about this rescue here
Bravery Gold | Ryan Hansen (accepted by Roy Wienand)
For his selfless actions during the 2022 KZN Floods
Read more about this rescue here
Bravery Gold | Leon Fourie
For his heroism and bravery during the 2022 KZN Floods
Read more about this rescue here
Bravery Bronze | Nehan Pretorious
For his courageous actions on 21 December 2023, while surfing at Victoria Bay, George, Nehan Pretorious went to the aid of a fellow surfer, Henry van Huysteen, who appeared to have suffered a seizure and fallen off his board into the water.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Gold | Kevin Fourie
Honored for courageous actions during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy rains led to deadly floods, especially devastating areas around Durban. Selfless actions, performed in perilous conditions without regard for safety, embody the highest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Gold | Travis Clarke
Recognized for heroic efforts during the devastating floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Torrential rains caused fatal flooding, particularly in Durban. Selfless actions in dangerous conditions, without concern for personal safety, reflect the highest standards of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Gold | Quentin Power
Commended for bravery during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, across KwaZulu-Natal. Intense rains resulted in deadly floods, heavily impacting Durban. Selfless deeds in hazardous conditions, ignoring personal safety, uphold the finest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Gold | Tyron Brennan
Celebrated for valiant actions during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Relentless rains led to lethal flooding, particularly around Durban. Selfless efforts in dangerous conditions, disregarding safety, represent the core values of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Gold | Johan Muller
Applauded for fearless actions during the devastating floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. The heavy rainfall caused fatal flooding, notably in Durban. Selfless deeds in perilous conditions, performed without concern for safety, embody the highest ideals of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Silver | Leslie Ginsberg
Honored for heroic deeds during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Torrential rains caused deadly flooding, especially around Durban. Selfless actions in dangerous conditions, ignoring personal safety, reflect the noble traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Silver | Clifford Ireland
Recognized for brave efforts during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy rains resulted in lethal flooding, particularly impacting Durban. Selfless deeds in hazardous conditions, performed without regard for safety, embody the highest standards of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Silver | Kyle Meyer
Commended for valiant actions during the devastating floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Intense rains caused fatal flooding, heavily affecting Durban. Selfless efforts in perilous conditions, disregarding safety, represent the highest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Silver | Sean Dickie
Celebrated for courageous deeds during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Relentless rains led to deadly flooding, particularly around Durban. Selfless actions in dangerous conditions, ignoring personal safety, uphold the core values of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Silver | Sean Devine
Applauded for heroic actions during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. The heavy rainfall resulted in lethal flooding, especially in Durban. Selfless efforts in perilous conditions, performed without regard for safety, embody the finest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Silver | Luke van Riet
Honored for his courage, determination, and skill exhibited during an Operation beginning on the evening of October 20, 2023, and extending into the morning of the 21st. NSRI Station 2 Bakoven responded to assist 11 fishermen whose craft, disabled and sinking near Green Point Lighthouse in Force 10 storm conditions, was located thanks to Station 2's critical efforts that evening.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Timothy Edwards
Honored for brave efforts during the devastating floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Torrential rains caused deadly flooding, notably around Durban. Selfless deeds in dangerous conditions, ignoring safety, reflect the highest ideals of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Andrea Passoni
Recognized for fearless actions during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy rains led to lethal flooding, particularly impacting Durban. Selfless actions in hazardous conditions, performed without concern for safety, embody the highest standards of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Etienne van Zyl
Commended for valiant efforts during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Intense rains caused fatal flooding, especially around Durban. Selfless deeds in perilous conditions, disregarding personal safety, represent the noble traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Deon Dekker (accepted by Kevin Fourie)
Celebrated for courageous actions during the devastating floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Relentless rains resulted in deadly flooding, heavily affecting Durban. Selfless efforts in dangerous conditions, performed without regard for safety, reflect the highest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Jazmynn Eksteen
Applauded for heroic deeds during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy rains led to lethal flooding, particularly around Durban. Selfless actions in hazardous conditions, ignoring safety, embody the core values of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Dean Birnie
Honored for valiant efforts during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Torrential rains caused deadly flooding, especially impacting Durban. Selfless deeds in perilous conditions, performed without concern for safety, uphold the highest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Jonathan Kellermann
Recognized for brave actions during the devastating floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Intense rains resulted in lethal flooding, particularly in Durban. Selfless efforts in dangerous conditions, disregarding personal safety, reflect the finest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Robert Leusink (accepted by David Rosenberg)
Applauded for his bravery, determination, and expertise demonstrated during an Operation that started on the evening of October 20, 2023, and continued into the morning of the 21st. NSRI Station 2 Bakoven responded to aid 11 fishermen whose vessel, disabled and sinking near Green Point Lighthouse in Force 10 storm conditions, was located with instrumental assistance from Station 2 that evening.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Reece Sheldon
Honored for his courage, determination, and skill exhibited during an Operation beginning on the evening of October 20, 2023, and extending into the morning of the 21st. NSRI Station 2 Bakoven responded to assist 11 fishermen whose craft, disabled and sinking near Green Point Lighthouse in Force 10 storm conditions, was located thanks to Station 2's critical efforts that evening.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | Jacobus Johannes Le Roux
Commended for his courage, determination, and skill shown during an Operation that commenced on the evening of October 20, 2023, and carried through to the morning of the 21st. NSRI Station 2 Bakoven responded to assist 11 fishermen whose boat, disabled and sinking in Force 10 storm conditions near Green Point Lighthouse, was located with crucial support from Station 2 that evening.
Read more about this rescue here
Gallantry Bronze | JC Roos
For his courage and determination during a rescue operation to save survivors of the grounded Fishing Vessel Dijaanda at the Gourits River mouth on 8 August 2023.
Read more about this rescue here
Directors Letter of Thanks | Adrian Fransman
Commended for fearless deeds during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Relentless rains led to fatal flooding, heavily impacting Durban. Selfless actions in perilous conditions, performed without regard for safety, embody the highest ideals of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
CEO's Letter of Thanks | Malcolm Manion (accepted by Roy Wienand)
Displayed remarkable leadership during the 2022 KZN Floods. Guiding his team alongside emergency services, he orchestrated numerous rescues from flooded homes and vehicles. His dedication and tireless effort, often in waist-deep water through the night, ensured the safety of many.
Read about this rescue here
CEO's Letter of Thanks | Mbongiseni Miya
Showed remarkable courage and dedication during the 2022 KZN Floods. Collaborating with emergency services, he along with the rest of the team rescued numerous people trapped in flooded homes and vehicles, working tirelessly through the night in waist-deep water.
Read more about this rescue here
CEO's Letter of Thanks | Cara Eksteen
Demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment during the 2022 KZN Floods. She partnered with emergency teams to rescue people trapped in flooded areas, tirelessly working through the night and waist-deep water to save lives.
Read more about this rescue here
CEO's Letter of Thanks | Brendon Ferrar
Displayed outstanding courage during the 2022 KZN Floods. Collaborating with emergency services, he along with the rest of the team, rescued many individuals from flooded homes and vehicles, working all night through waist-deep water to ensure safety.
Read more about this rescue here
CEO's Letter of Thanks | Siyabonga Mthethwa
Exemplified immense bravery and dedication during the 2022 KZN Floods. He worked with emergency services to rescue those trapped in flooded areas, navigating waist-deep water and working tirelessly through the night.
Read more about this rescue here
CEO's Letter of Thanks | Dean Wegerle (accepted by Graeme Harding)
Showed exceptional dedication during the 2022 KZN Floods, rescuing people trapped in flooded homes and vehicles alongside emergency services. Dean worked through the night, often in waist-deep water, to save lives.
Read about this rescue here
Left to Right: Mike Bishop (Ballito), Kevin Fourie (Rocky Bay), Clifford Ireland (Regional Representative), Gary Wolmarans (Shelly Beach), Roy Wienand (Durban)
The internationally recognized Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards are presented to individuals, teams, and agencies that demonstrate outstanding achievements, skills, and/or preparedness in the technical rescue discipline of Swiftwater and flood rescue.
Meritorious Service Award | Stephanie Wickham
Celebrated for heroic efforts during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. The heavy rainfall caused deadly flooding, especially around Durban. Selfless deeds in hazardous conditions, ignoring personal safety, represent the highest standards of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Benic van der Merwe
Applauded for valiant actions during the devastating floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy rains resulted in lethal flooding, particularly in Durban. Selfless efforts in dangerous conditions, performed without concern for safety, uphold the core values of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Nicky Gibson (accepted by Travis Clarke)
Commended for bravery during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, across KwaZulu-Natal. Intense rains resulted in deadly floods, heavily impacting Durban. Selfless deeds in hazardous conditions, ignoring personal safety, uphold the finest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Linda Putter
Honored for courageous actions during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy rains led to deadly floods, especially devastating areas around Durban. Selfless actions, performed in perilous conditions without regard for safety, embody the highest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | START Team
Honored for heroic deeds during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Torrential rains caused deadly flooding, especially around Durban. Selfless actions in dangerous conditions, ignoring personal safety, reflect the noble traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Jarrod Garber
Celebrated for courageous actions during the devastating floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Relentless rains resulted in deadly flooding, heavily affecting Durban. Selfless efforts in dangerous conditions, performed without regard for safety, reflect the highest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Dion Beneke
Commended for bravery during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, across KwaZulu-Natal. Intense rains resulted in deadly floods, heavily impacting Durban. Selfless deeds in hazardous conditions, ignoring personal safety, uphold the finest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Matthew Dickey
Celebrated for heroic efforts during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. The heavy rainfall caused deadly flooding, especially around Durban. Selfless deeds in hazardous conditions, ignoring personal safety, represent the highest standards of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Wayne Nicholson
Honored for courageous actions during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy rains led to deadly floods, especially devastating areas around Durban. Selfless actions, performed in perilous conditions without regard for safety, embody the highest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Ana Antunes
Celebrated for heroic efforts during the catastrophic floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. The heavy rainfall caused deadly flooding, especially around Durban. Selfless deeds in hazardous conditions, ignoring personal safety, represent the highest standards of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Thomas Steenkamp
Honored for heroic deeds during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Torrential rains caused deadly flooding, especially around Durban. Selfless actions in dangerous conditions, ignoring personal safety, reflect the noble traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Stacey Rudolph
Honored for heroic deeds during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Torrential rains caused deadly flooding, especially around Durban. Selfless actions in dangerous conditions, ignoring personal safety, reflect the noble traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Janine Rudolph
Commended for bravery during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, across KwaZulu-Natal. Intense rains resulted in deadly floods, heavily impacting Durban. Selfless deeds in hazardous conditions, ignoring personal safety, uphold the finest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Roy Wienand
Celebrated for courageous actions during the devastating floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Relentless rains resulted in deadly flooding, heavily affecting Durban. Selfless efforts in dangerous conditions, performed without regard for safety, reflect the highest traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Amy Coetzee
Honored for heroic deeds during the severe floods from April 11 to 13, 2022, in KwaZulu-Natal. Torrential rains caused deadly flooding, especially around Durban. Selfless actions in dangerous conditions, ignoring personal safety, reflect the noble traditions of the National Sea Rescue Institute.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Station 2 - Bakoven
Recognized for bravery, determination, and expertise demonstrated during an Operation beginning on the evening of October 20, 2023, and extending into the morning of the 21st. NSRI Station 2 Bakoven responded to aid 11 fishermen whose vessel was disabled and sinking near Green Point Lighthouse amidst Force 10 storm conditions. Station 2 played a pivotal role in locating the vessel in distress that evening.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Station 3 - Table Bay
Acknowledged for courage, determination, and skill shown during an Operation starting on the evening of October 20, 2023, and continuing into the morning of the 21st. NSRI Station 2 Bakoven responded to assist 11 fishermen whose boat was disabled and sinking near Green Point Lighthouse during Force 10 storm conditions. Station 2 played a crucial role in locating the distressed vessel that evening.
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Gert du Plessis
Recognized for extraordinary courage, determination, and skill during a challenging operation starting on Friday, May 24, 2024, and concluding the next morning, NSRI Port Edward, with NSRI Shelly Beach, successfully rescued four crew members from the sinking yacht Tipsy off the Eastern Cape coastline
Read more about this rescue here
Meritorious Service Award | Gary Wolmarans
Recognized for his bravery, determination, and expertise during a challenging operation from Friday, May 24, 2024, to the following morning, NSRI Port Edward, working with NSRI Shelly Beach, rescued four crew members from the sinking yacht Tipsy off the Eastern Cape coastline.
Read more about this rescue here
Station 26 - Kommetjie
Station Commander Dave Smith receives the award
Station 40 - St Lucia
Station Commander Jan Hofman receives the award
Station 4 - Mykonos
Station Commander Nic Stevens receives the award
Bruce Bodmer
Bruce joined NSRI in January 1984 at Station 8 Hout Bay and quickly rose to become a highly capable Class I Coxswain by January 2006. His dedication to training and crew safety was evident in his refinement of seamanship courses and his contributions to the Coxswain Training and Assessment, which evolved into the current NSRI Coxswains assessment courses.
You can read more about this award here
Barbara Stewart of the V&A Waterfront
The Alric Simpson Floating Trophy, awarded annually for distinguished service to the NSRI, goes this year to the V&A Waterfront and its Staff. This honor recognizes their historical and ongoing contributions, crucial to the NSRI's mission of saving lives in South African waters.
You can read more about this award here
David Rosenberg
Marc van Staden
Robbie Gibson
Glenda Maritz
Wally Maritz
Jake Manten (accepted by Andre Kruger)
James Beaumont
John Brown (accepted by Nic Stevens)
Brian Brink
Garth Shamley
Dr Cleeve Robertson
Eddie Noyons
Christopher van Staden
Deon Truter
Geoffrey Mcgregor
George Parkes
Bruce Bodmer
Dorian Robertson
Kathy and Dicky Manten (accepted by Andre Kruger)
Michael Elliot
David Robins (accepted by Cleeve Robertson)
Ian Wienburg (accepted by Eddie Noyons)
Marty Reddering
Outgoing CEO Cleeve Robertson was also recognized for his achievements at the NSRI with the Volunteer Support Centre now being named in his honour.
A special thank you to our MC for the night, Mark Bayly, the Capital Zimbali for hosting the event, La Montagne and The Boathouse in Ballito for accommodating our guests, M&B for the decor, Airbus Company for the shuttle service, Andrew Ingram for the photography and Boom Media and Pulp Films for capturing the event in video.
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