EVENTS / 30 MARCH 2025

NSRI JetRIB Janine Named and Blessed at Yzerfontein

The NSRI’s newest JetRIB (an inshore rescue vessel) Janine, sponsored by the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre (WCDMC), was blessed and named during a traditional ceremony on Saturday, 29 March 2025, at the NSRI’s Yzerfontein Sea Rescue station.

The vessel, which will operate from Station 34 Yzerfontein, marks the sixth JetRIB donated to the NSRI by the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre (WCDMC). All six vessels have been named in honour of women working at the WCDMC. This JetRIB is named after Janine Winder, Deputy Director: Mitigation.

Since 2015, the WCDMC has generously supported the NSRI by sponsoring rescue equipment, training, an all-terrain vehicle, and various water safety initiatives.

The NSRI JetRIB is a cutting-edge inshore rescue vessel, resulting from a collaboration between the NSRI and Droomers Yamaha in 2019. With its water-jet propulsion, the JetRIB is more environmentally friendly than traditional two-stroke outboard engines. Its design eliminates the risk of propeller strikes, making it safer for both casualties and rescue swimmers.

The JetRIB won the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) award for Innovation and Technology in 2021 and has garnered international attention, with interest from countries as far afield as Norway, Iceland, and Ascension Island. It has proven instrumental in many recent rescue operations, including during the KwaZulu-Natal and Overberg floods.

According to NSRI Rescue Services Director Brett Ayres, each JetRIB — including its road trailer, rescue gear, and personal protective equipment for the crew — costs approximately R697,000. Thanks to continued donations, 42 NSRI stations are already equipped with a JetRIB, with two more planned for Nature’s Valley (a satellite station of Station 14, Plettenberg Bay) and Gariep Dam.

NSRI CEO, Mike Vonk, expressed gratitude for the latest addition:
“The NSRI would like to thank the WCDMC for their generous sponsorship of the new JetRIB Janine, which will be stationed at Station 34 Yzerfontein, and for their ongoing support.”
“Rescue is all about teamwork, and we are grateful to have partners like the WCDMC who always go the extra mile,” he added.

Assistant Director of Preparedness and Response Sharon Marthinus said, “As the Western Cape Disaster Management Centre, we recognise the invaluable role that the NSRI play in safeguarding the lives of those who venture into our waters.”

“Your commitment to search and rescue operations, often in the most challenging and dangerous conditions, is nothing short of remarkable.”

“As partners in disaster management, we are privileged to work alongside you, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to further enhance our collective capabilities in responding to emergencies,” she added.

Photographs of the ceremony can be downloaded from the NSRI’s Flickr page. https://www.flickr.com/photos/searescue/albums/72157625451651624/

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For interviews or information, please get in touch with NSRI Communications Manager Andrew Ingram at andrewi@searescue.org.za or on 082 990 5977

ABOUT THE NSRI

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a registered non-profit organisation that is committed to drowning prevention and focused on saving lives, changing lives and creating futures for those threatened by drowning in South Africa.

The NSRI is unique in South Africa as the only non-profit organisation focusing exclusively on safeguarding lives and livelihoods in South African waters through education, prevention, and rescue operations. We envision a nation where drowning incidents are minimised, ensuring the safety of all.

The NSRI strives to innovate and evolve constantly and extend its water safety initiatives through empowerment and visibility. Our volunteers are on call 24/7 and rely on donations and sponsorships.

Please visit www.nsri.org.za for more information.