Mdumbi’s Station 49: a new chapter of lifesaving on the Wild Coast

A dramatic rescue just hours before its official launch set the tone for the opening of the NSRI’s newest base on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast.

Before dignitaries and community leaders could even gather for the ceremony, Station 49 Mdumbi’s newly trained volunteer crew was called into action. A 67-year-old surfer had been separated from his board by powerful surf. Two local volunteers, Mzoxolo Gxala and Johan Stadler, launched their JetRIB and brought him safely to shore, demonstrating why this new station matters.

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

From an operational standpoint, the timing could not have been more significant. “It underscored such a station’s vital role in safeguarding lives along the remote Wild Coast,” explained Charl Maritz, NSRI’s Operations Manager. “The swift and successful response by newly trained local volunteers validated the need for the station and the impact of community-driven lifesaving initiatives.”

Mdumbi’s story began in 2020, when NSRI volunteer Simphiwe Rorwana started training local youth in lifeguarding, often under trees or in borrowed classrooms. What began as a small grassroots effort has evolved into a formally recognised NSRI station equipped with a JetRIB and 4x4 rescue vehicle, ensuring that this remote stretch of coastline now has dedicated rescue coverage for the first time.

“Station 49 is far-flung from easy access or support,” said Charl. “We’ve tried to provide a self-sustained capability here, and the delivery of the JetRIB and rescue vehicle, along with ongoing training, is a good starting point. There’s still much to do, but the foundations are strong.”

In keeping with Mdumbi’s collaborative spirit, leadership at Station 49 will initially take the form of a three-person committee drawn from the volunteer crew:

• Thulani Gxala – Administration

• Johan Stadler – Operations

• Mzo Gxala – Training

“The Gxala family are an entrenched part of the Mdumbi community,” said Charl. “This collective leadership will help the station transition from a lifeguarding-only focus to a full inshore rescue response.”

The NSRI’s next goal is to construct a permanent rescue base for the Mdumbi volunteers. “A base gives identity and ownership to the team,” Charl noted. Working with the Nyandeni Local Municipality, NSRI also plans to expand rural lifeguard training and explore opportunities for local employment through rescue and safety programmes.

Ultimately, the vision extends beyond Mdumbi itself. “Over time, the training and experience gained here will support larger vessel operations,” said Charl. “That’s the golden target: empowering people while strengthening maritime rescue capability along one of South Africa’s most remote and beautiful coastlines.”

Station 49 is more than a rescue base. It’s proof of what’s possible when community, commitment and courage come together to save lives.