NSRI Responds to Multiple Vessels in Distress on the Vaal Dam

Bradley Naicker, NSRI Vaal Dam station commander, said: NSRI Vaal Dam station 22 duty crew and NSRI Gauteng station 27 crew, while on alert during a local sailing event at the Vaal Dam, on Sunday, 12 October 2025, were alerted to multiple sailing vessels suddenly and unexpectedly caught in distress during a severe storm that developed at approximately 14h00. The unexpected change in wind direction and increased wind speeds, accompanied by a heavy rain storm and severe lightning, resulted in multiple sailing vessels and sailors requiring assistance.

Our NSRI Vaal Dam and NSRI Gauteng rescue crews initiated operations to assist several casualties and vessels who found themselves affected by the inclement weather conditions.
 
2 sailors were recovered from the water by our NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Round Table after being they had been thrown off their Hobie Cat sailing craft. Both sailors were safely recovered onto our NSRI rescue craft, while their Hobie Cat was rafted alongside our NSRI rescue craft and recovered safely to shore. The 2 sailors were brought safely to shore without incident and they were not injured.
 
In a second incident, approximately one nautical mile from that Hobie Cat incident, our NSRI rescue craft responded to a capsized sailing vessel. On arrival on the scene we found both sailors had been rescued by a Good Samaritan. The 2 casualties were safely transferred onto our NSRI rescue craft where they were treated for hypothermia.
An NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed into the water and righted the capsized sailing vessel, A towline was established and we towed the sailing vessel to shore without incident. Both sailors made full recoveries following treatment for hypothermia and they required no further assistance.
 
Shortly thereafter a capsized sailing vessel was located with a solo sailor in the water attempting to right the capsized vessel. An NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed into the water to assist and together, with the solo sailor, the vessel was righted and the sails were secured. A towline was established and we initiated towing the vessel towards the shore.
 
By that stage weather conditions were improving and event organisers launched a powerboat to take over that tow from NSRI. The solo sailor, who had begun to feel the effects of hypothermia, was treated by NSRI medics before NSRI transported him to shore, to safety, for further medical care, and he made a full recovery.
 
Later our NSRI rescue craft deployed to assist an event organiser’s powerboat that was out on the water waiting on fuel to be delivered. We stood by at the powerboat until extra fuel arrived. No further assistance was required and our NSRI rescue craft returned to base at approximately 16h40.
 
NSRI has commended the Good Samaritans who rendered assistance to the sailors who had found themselves in difficulties, faced by the sudden weather changes, before our NSRI rescue crews arrived at the various scenes to assist.
NSRI has also commended the sailors who were taking part in the regatta, who found themselves at the mercy of the sudden weather change, but who all remained calm and cooperative throughout these rescue operations.
 
The NSRI extends its appreciation to the event organisers for their prompt coordination and to all those who contributed to ensuring the safety of participants during the sudden and severe, and unexpected change in the weather conditions.