From calm waters to crisis: why the NSRI recommends every paddler use SafeTrx

For Durban paddlers Ameer and Ahmed, what began as a routine Saturday fishing trip quickly became a test of endurance, courage, and trust in strangers.

On the morning of 3 May, the pair launched their fishing sea kayaks, planning for a few quiet hours on the water. Conditions were calm, and both were experienced on their skis. But within hours, they would be separated by wind, fatigue, and fate, forcing Ameer to make a heart-wrenching decision.

“We had an easy launch,” Ameer said. “As I paddled out, I noticed Ahmed was not beside me. Then I looked back, and he was close to the north pier. So, I turned around and went to assist him, but he was too tired to paddle.”

Ameer did everything he could. He tried to tow Ahmed using his own ski for nearly two hours. But the wind picked up quickly, pushing the pair northward. Exhausted and drifting further from shore, Ameer realised he had to act.

“I had only one choice to make, which was the hardest choice of my life — to leave him and get help.”

Determined to save his friend, Ameer paddled back towards shore without stopping. But the sea had turned, and disaster struck just as he reached the north pier. “I capsized,” he said. “I didn’t strap my paddle to my ski, so my ski was upside-down and I was in the water.”

Alone and drifting, Ameer blew his whistle to get attention. He was spotted and rescued by the charter boat Madevu SA of Madevu Charters, whose crew hauled him aboard and raised the alarm. The NSRI Durban duty crew, who were already at the station conducting routine maintenance, immediately launched their rescue craft, Spirit of Surfski 6.

Upon meeting up with Madevu SA, Ameer was transferred to the NSRI vessel. He quickly pointed rescuers toward the area where he had left Ahmed. A shoreline search was also initiated, and a second rescue craft, Spirit of Santam 3, was launched to expand the search effort.

Then, just north of Blue Lagoon, the NSRI crew spotted Ahmed — still clinging to his fishing kayak, exhausted but alive. At 15h55, he was brought aboard. By 16h35, both friends were safely ashore at Vetchies Beach, reunited and grateful.

Ameer credits the NSRI and Madevu SA crew with saving both their lives. “Those men are the best people I've ever met. They were kind, helpful, patient, and they really know the sea.”

He added: “Every day I pray for those gentlemen, for the safe and fast rescue. And I thank God for protecting us and bringing us back home.”

In hindsight, Ameer reflects on what could have helped. “Looking back, I think I should have gotten a double ski… and I should have strapped my paddle.”

From the NSRI’s perspective, incidents like this emphasise the importance of using their free SafeTrx app. The app allows paddlers, boaters, and sailors to log their trips, share their live positions, and alert emergency services if they fail to return on time. Had SafeTrx been active that day, rescuers would have had immediate access to vital location data, potentially reducing search time and narrowing the area of focus more quickly.

If you’re heading out to sea — whether on a boat, kayak or ski — always wear a lifejacket, wear bright coloured clothing, tether yourself and your paddle to your craft, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and in a waterproof pouch and download (and activate) the free NSRI SafeTrx app at www.nsri.org.za. It could be the most important gear you carry.