A successful rescue operation was initiated off the coast of Die Poort, Strand, after a 60-year-old local paddler had activated his NSRI SafeTrx emergency device.
Brian Gosling, duty coxswain at the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Gordon’s Bay, said the paddler’s surfski snapped in half, leaving him stranded in the water and drifting away from shore on Thursday 19 September.
The NSRI Gordon’s Bay duty crew jumped into rescue action around 09:14, with the City of Cape Town’s water rescue network also activated. The emergency response included the NSRI Gordon’s Bay rescue craft, Zelda, EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter, NSRI rescue swimmers, provincial health EMS emergency personnel, the City’s Fire and Rescue Services and Law Enforcement, and police.
The NSRI rescue craft arrived swiftly on the scene, and the paddler was safely retrieved from the water. With some lacerations to his hand and showing signs of hypothermia, he was transported to the NSRI Gordon’s Bay satellite station where he was treated before being released, requiring no further assistance.
The NSRI was commended for the swift response of its duty crew and the multiagency teams involved. Moreover, the NSRI SafeTrx emergency activation proved instrumental in initiating the rescue.
The incident highlights the importance of safety measures and emergency preparedness for boaters, sailors and paddlers who are implored to: always use the free NSRI SafeTrx smartphone application when launching out to sea; check weather and sea conditions before venturing out;inform someone of your planned route and estimated return time; and stay vigilant and stay safe on the water.
- The app can be downloaded from https://www.nsri.org.za/water-safety/safetrx/.
