Mining vessel crew assisted after RHIB loses motor power

On Saturday morning, NSRI Port Nolloth volunteers on a routine training exercise responded when a local mining vessel raised concern for three of her crew who had gone ashore on their RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) and not been heard from. All three were found safe in the harbour.

Andre Duvenhage, NSRI Port Nolloth station commander, said:

“At 09h30 on Saturday 17 October, our NSRI Port Nolloth crew were at sea on our rescue craft Vodacom Rescuer II during routine training when crew on a local mining vessel, 1.5 nautical miles offshore of Port Nolloth, hailed us.

“They reported that three of their crew had launched earlier on their RHIB to go ashore and that they had not heard from them for some time.

“We diverted Vodacom Rescuer II towards the harbour and, on approaching, found the three crew safe at their RHIB, which had lost motor power.

“They asked for help to get their craft back to their vessel, saying they would attend to the mechanical failure later.

“We towed the RHIB out to the mining vessel and helped her crew bring the craft back on board. No further assistance was required.”