Mass rescue operation of farm workers trapped by flooding

NSRI Kleinmond crew were activated following a request for assistance from WC Government Health EMS Metro Rescue and WC DRM (Disaster Risk Management), in cooperation with Overberg DRM, following reports of farm workers trapped on farm building roofs on a farm between Worcester and Rawsonville, along the Old N1 roadway.

NSRI Kleinmond crew mustered at our NSRI Kleinmond station 42 rescue base before proceeding to the EMS rescue base at Worcester, using our NSRI rescue vehicle, towing our NSRI rescue craft JetRIB, accompanied by NSRI CROCS (small floating rescue craft) and NSRI crews private vehicles.

With NSRI crew from NSRI Mykonos, NSRI Yzerfontein, NSRI Headquarters station 1 and NSRI Melkbosstrand, distributed across a wide area around the Western Cape attending at flood related rescue operations, in cooperation with the emergency services and Police, our NSRI Kleinmond crew arrived in Worcester and briefed by EMS Metro Rescue commanders.

Assisting in the operation to evacuate the farm workers included Provincial Traffic Services and an EMS Metro Rescue squad.

On arrival at the nearest landmark, on the Old N1 roadway, our NSRI crew, geared in wet-suits and wet weather gear, launched our NSRI rescue craft JetRIB and the CROCS reaching the farm where we found 23 people, farm workers and their family members, trapped by flood waters - they were on roofs of farm buildings reportedly since Monday.

Using ladders the casualties, including babies, toddlers, children, adults, the elderly, as well as one blind man and one paraplegic man, and domestic animals, were evacuated to safety in relays, using the flotation of our rescue craft.

Our rescue crew worked tirelessly despite challenging conditions, often wading and swimming through barely accessible terrain and flooded areas.

Once out of harms way, safely on terra firma, they were taken into the care of the farmer.

During the operation sadly 2 deceased males and a deceased female were located and recovered from flooded buildings on the farm.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Condolences are conveyed to the families of the deceased.

During the operation sadly we were unable to recover a number of farm animals, domestic animals, wildlife (including snakes), despite efforts that became increasingly dangerous for the rescue crews. We are cautiously optimistic, in all hopes, that as the flooded areas water subsides these animals will survive.

NSRI and all services involved express care and thoughts to those displaced by flooding.

We express our deep appreciation for the cooperation with the emergency services during this operation.

NSRI Kleinmond returned to base at 23h00.

NSRI Agulhas and NSRI Hermanus are mobilising to assist Police and the emergency services deployed in operations on Wednesday.