After 20 years of entering the NSRI's annual car competition, Sean McHarry has finally struck gold, winning a brand-new car in this year's second draw.
Sean, who purchased four tickets this year, received the life-changing news on a Friday afternoon while driving with his wife.
"What a start to the weekend! I nearly lost control of my car when they told me I had won," Sean recalls, laughing about how he momentarily let go of the steering wheel in disbelief. "I screamed. It was unreal."
For Sean, the NSRI is more than just a charity; it's a cause close to his heart. Two decades ago, after a harrowing incident at sea where strong currents nearly swept him away, Sean became acutely aware of the importance of the NSRI's life-saving work.
"I had my own rubber duck boat and almost didn't make it back that day," Sean shared. "Ever since then, I've supported the NSRI because I know first-hand how crucial their work is. They might not have saved me that day, but they save countless lives every year."
Sean's win has become a point of celebration not just for him but for his entire network of friends and family. "I put everyone on a conference call – news spread far and wide, even overseas!"
Two more cars are still up for grabs in 2024. Tickets are just R695, and the funds go directly towards the NSRI's critical rescue operations.
NSRI's Caville Abrahams: A lifelong mission to prevent drowning
Read MoreNSRI completes maritime medevac 10 nautical miles off Algoa Bay. ...
An off-duty NSRI St Lucia crew member and his brother, a former NSRI crewman, found themselves in exactly the right place at exactly the right time on Saturday, when they spotted a young girl in trouble in the shallow surf ...
Sadly, one man has died and five people survived after a boat capsized in the surf zone at Beachwood, Durban North, on Sunday evening, 19 July. NSRI Durban duty crew, alongside Police, Metro Police, Durban North Fire and Rescue Services ...