NSRI Station 46 Storms River: A beacon of hope in Tsitsikamma

Nestled within the breathtaking yet treacherous Tsitsikamma region of South Africa, NSRI Station 46 Storms River serves as a crucial lifeline for those in distress on the water.

Station 46 is one of many NSRI stations that embody the spirit of volunteerism and community service and is strategically located to respond to a variety of emergencies.

This auxiliary coastal station is led by station commander Lodewyk Van Rensburg and staffed entirely by 15 volunteers who are on call 24/7, ready to tackle anything that might come their way.

The station’s commitment to service ensures rapid response times and effective rescue operations, which are crucial for the safety of locals and visitors in this popular yet hazardous area.

The operational scope of Station 46 is broad and challenging. Volunteers at this station manage a wide range of rescue scenarios, including assisting distressed vessels, performing swift-water rescues, and conducting medical evacuations from ships and coastal cliffs. Their readiness and expertise are vital for the diverse emergencies that arise in the region.

One of the station's most unique and challenging rescues involved a stranded leopard on a cliff face in the Storms River Gorge. The operation required close collaboration with South African National Parks (SANParks) rangers and veterinarians. Despite the valiant efforts of the NSRI and other teams, the leopard, suffering severe injuries, had to be humanely euthanised.

Another significant operation was the rescue of 14 student hikers trapped by the rising waters of the Lottering River. This large-scale rescue involved multiple agencies, including other NSRI stations, SAPS, EMS, and SANParks. The coordinated efforts led to the safe evacuation of all hikers, demonstrating the station's capability to handle complex rescue missions.

In a more sombre event, the station was involved in recovering the body of a river guide who drowned during a rafting trip. Despite the group's efforts to revive him, the guide did not survive. This incident highlighted the dangers associated with river guiding and the critical role of NSRI in providing timely rescue and recovery operations.

NSRI Storms River is not just about rescue operations; it is also heavily involved in community education. The station conducts water safety programmes aimed at preventing drowning incidents and improving overall safety awareness in the region.

One such initiative is the Survival Swimming Programme, which teaches children essential water survival skills. These educational efforts are vital in a country where water activities are a significant part of the culture, yet many lack basic water safety knowledge.

The lifeblood of NSRI Station 46 is its volunteers and the community’s support. The station relies heavily on donations and volunteer support to continue its lifesaving work.

Community fundraising efforts and extensive volunteer training programmes ensure that the station is always prepared to face the diverse challenges of maritime rescue operations. These programmes equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

- Herman Eloff