NSRI Launches New Rescue Station at Mdumbi and Rescues Surfer Hours Before Ceremony

Mdumbi, Eastern Cape: The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) today celebrated the establishment of a new rescue station at Mdumbi, on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast. The station’s launch was marked by a ceremony attended by community leaders, local and district government representatives, and NSRI executives.

The station has been equipped with a new NSRI JetRIB and a 4x4 rescue vehicle, part of the NSRI’s broader mission to build a water-safe nation by extending rescue coverage to previously underserved coastal areas.

Hours before the official launch, Mdumbi’s volunteer rescue crew demonstrated exactly why this new station matters. A 67-year-old surfer was separated from his surfboard by powerful surf after his leash broke. Another surfer kept him afloat until NSRI volunteers Mzoxolo Gxala and Johan Stadler responded on their JetRIB and brought him safely to shore.

“This morning’s rescue reminds us exactly why we’re here,” said NSRI CEO Mike Vonk, speaking at the event. “Our teams train for moments like these, and because of their readiness, a life was saved today.”

The Mdumbi station represents years of grassroots development and community collaboration, a journey that began in 2020 when NSRI volunteer Simphiwe Rorwana started training local youth in lifeguarding under modest conditions, sometimes under trees, sometimes in a classroom.

“Simphiwe's leadership, along with the spirit of the Mdumbi community, laid the foundation for today’s celebration,” said Vonk. “Now, with the station, JetRIB and 4x4 rescue vehicle in place, this team has the resources it needs to save lives along this stretch of the Wild Coast.”

The day also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSRI and the Nyandeni Local Municipality, formalising a multi-faceted partnership to promote water safety education, Sea Rescue and Lifeguard training, and rescue operations in the region.

Mayor of Nyandeni Local Municipality, Banele Viwe Ndamase, praised the NSRI’s unique approach:
“We have never seen anything like this. I joined the municipality in 2006 and I have never seen a situation where a memorandum is signed after delivery. Normally, we sign an MoU and then wait two or three years before delivery. Today, history was made.”

The partnership is believed to be the first of its kind between a local municipality and the NSRI, creating a framework for shared investment in water safety education, lifeguard training, youth development, and the establishment of a permanent volunteer rescue station.

Traditional Leader, Chief Sigcawu, expressed his heartfelt appreciation:
“I am very proud of the Mdumbi NSRI volunteers who rescued the surfer this morning. This is exactly the spirit we need. The NSRI and our community must resolve issues together, and I am very grateful for this initiative. My heart is full of joy.”

Looking ahead, NSRI has committed to building a permanent rescue base at Mdumbi and, in future, aims to bring in a larger rescue craft capable of extending coverage along more of the Wild Coast.

“This Sea Rescue station belongs to the people of Mdumbi. Its purpose is simple: to keep people safe,” said Vonk. “Let today’s signing become tomorrow’s action, building safer waters, stronger communities, and brighter futures.”