The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Gordon’s Bay Station Commander Alan Meiklejohn confirmed that NSRI Gordon’s Bay recently responded to three incidents.
The first one took place on Saturday 24 December at 09:03, when NSRI Gordon’s Bay responded to a vessel taking on water at Steenbras Point. The vessel made it into Gordon’s Bay harbour where NSRI Gordon’s Bay assisted to pump water from the vessel until it could be recovered safely.
“A RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) with four crew onboard suffered steering failure off-shore of Kogelbay. NSRI Gordon’s Bay assisted them to safety,” said Meiklejohn.
The second incident occurred on Monday, 26 December at 06:09, when an eye-witnesses reported a paddler in distress caught in 30 knot off-shore winds in Gordon’s Bay. “An NSRI Gordon’s Bay rescue craft reached the man who’s Fluid paddle craft was sinking and he was holding onto the bow. The paddler was assisted to safety. The eye-witness was commended for contributing to the man’s life being saved.”
The last incident took place on Monday, 26 December at 16:03, when NSRI Gordon’s Bay were alerted to a drowning in progress at Strand Beach. Lifeguards rescued a girl from the water who was attended to by paramedics.
The NSRI are appealing to bathers around the coast to swim at beaches protected by lifeguards. They are also appealing to parents to ensure children have responsible adult supervision in and around water.
Dr Cleeve Robertson, NSRI CEO, sent out his condolences to families that have lost loved ones and thoughts are with those families whose loved ones remain missing.
The NSRI is appealing to all South Africans and tourists visiting the country to adopt a safety conscious mindset in and around water.
“We commend our NSRI volunteers and operations support team, as well as public members, police, Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue, lifeguards, private and government ambulance services, Disaster Risk Management, community support structures, government and provincial services and all volunteer emergency services for their ongoing support, assistance, vigilance and service during this busy festive season. We wish everyone a safe New Year,” concludes Meiklejohn.
