NSRI rescues stranded paddlers in gale-force conditions at Fish Hoek

For close to two hours, two experienced paddlers clung to their capsized surf-ski off Simon's Town, battling 40-knot winds and 2-metre swells with no way to call for help. On Saturday, 12 September, NSRI Simon's Town crew brought them home safely.

At 15h56 on Saturday, 12 September, NSRI Simon's Town duty crew were activated following reports to the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of two paddlers well overdue on a double surf-ski at Fish Hoek Beach, during a Millers Point to Fish Hoek downwind paddle.

Fellow paddlers reported that the couple, experienced paddlers from St Francis Bay, had appeared to be struggling early into the paddle, starting from Millers Point. Sea conditions were severe: strong south-easterly winds of 35 gusting to 40 knots, with 1.5 to 2 metre swells.

The NSRI EOC indicated that the paddlers had last been monitored between Millers Point and Roman Rock Lighthouse, though no SafeTRX emergency alert had been triggered. NSRI coast watchers were alerted to look out for them.

NSRI rescue swimmers were dispatched to Whale Watchers Point, while duty crew responded to the NSRI Simon's Town Station 10 rescue base, where the rescue craft Donna Nicholas and Jack&Irene were launched.

Although the casualties' SafeTRX app had not been activated, all indications pointed to the pair being well overdue and likely in distress, with fellow paddlers confirming they had appeared to be struggling in the conditions when last seen.

On reaching their last estimated position, NSRI rescue craft began a search north of Roman Rock Lighthouse, towards Fish Hoek Beach. Crew searching from the shoreline could not spot the pair in the rough seas.

About 20 minutes into the search, during a sweeping line search in rough conditions, the rescue craft spotted the two paddlers: the man seated on the surf-ski, the woman in the water holding onto the back of the craft. Reaching them offshore of Glencairn, two NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed into the water from the RHIB rescue craft, securing both casualties and bringing them aboard. Their double surf-ski was recovered.

Medical treatment for severe hypothermia began immediately, and Cape Medical Response (CMR) was activated to respond to the NSRI Simon's Town rescue base. Family and friends were informed that both paddlers were safe.

On arrival at the rescue base, CMR paramedics continued treatment. It was determined the pair had been in the water, exhausted and hypothermic, repeatedly attempting to reboard their craft, for close to two hours.

Following extensive medical care from CMR paramedics, both patients were released into the care of family.

The male paddler had the NSRI SafeTRX app loaded onto his phone but had been unable to alert to their distress when they capsized, later losing his phone overboard. The pair had drifted north past Roman Rock Lighthouse in the direction of Glencairn.

NSRI Simon's Town station commander Darren Zimmerman commended the fellow paddlers for raising the alarm, and praised the swift response of NSRI Simon's Town crew and the extensive search and rescue operation carried out in trying conditions.