Rescue 6: A new chapter in saving lives at sea

The NSRI's newest rescue vessel, Rescue 6, has already proven its worth, completing its first medical evacuation days after arriving on station.

Graeme Harding, NSRI Training Manager, reflects on this significant achievement and explains why this vessel marks a new chapter for the organisation.

"We got a call at midnight to say a ship was coming with an injury. Talk about timing – we were there to train the crew, but they  were not up to speed yet. So, it was actually fortuitous that Dean Wegerle, an NSRI Training Officer, and I were there."

Although the crew had not fully trained on the new craft, Harding emphasised that Rescue 6's design helped them adapt quickly. "The crew hadn't had any time on Rescue 6, but the way it is designed, made it a little easier for them to get out there and do the rescue."

The mission involved bringing Rescue 6, an 18-ton vessel, alongside a 91 000 Gross-ton ship in rolling seas. Harding described the challenge as "basically like if you think about taking an X-Trail and competing against a train." Despite the size disparity, the mission was a success.

Harding explained that the crew's confidence in the new vessel played a significant role. "The fact that they know it's a brand-new boat just gives the crew a lot more confidence to go and do what they need to do. This was one of our serious extractions, and that's what we said to them – it's not like you started with an easy one. You started with the hardest one."

Rescue 6 is part of the Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC) fleet and incorporates improvements made based on feedback from previous vessels. "With any vessel that we build, we take information from the crews – what we can do better, and what we can change to make it safer, to make it better operationally," said Harding.

Comfort and safety for the crew were also key considerations. "We've got the floating cabin. It takes a lot of engine noise and vibration out, so it's more comfortable for the crew. These boats have air conditioning, so it helps the crew keep cool in long, hot tows or warm in the middle of winter," Harding said. In addition, the self-righting capability ensures the boat can handle extreme conditions. "If we get hit by a big wave and rolled over, the science is that it should just flip back over. You give it some time, restart the engines, and off you go again."

A significant point of pride for the NSRI is that Rescue 6 was built entirely in South Africa. "It's very nice to understand that the money being raised in South Africa is being spent here and to the benefit of our families, who form a bigger part of the rescue missions."

With a lifespan of at least 40 years, Rescue 6 will continue to be a key player in the NSRI's mission for decades to come, offering stability in long-term planning and training. "It's creating a solid platform of knowing that you've got a vessel for the next 40 years that you can train your crew on," Harding added.

Rescue 6's first medical evacuation marks the beginning of a long legacy of life-saving missions for this state-of-the-art craft.

Celebrate a Life. Save a life.

You can add your name or that of a loved one to the new Gqeberha NSRI vessel Rescue 6 and celebrate a life.

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