THE National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has established a new auxiliary base to monitor the coastline area between Gqeberha harbour and Jeffreys Bay.
The area is a multifunctional area that predominantly has sandy beaches. These beaches are not only frequently used by beachgoers, but also by fishermen as well as ski boat users.
Ian Gray, NSRI Gqeberha regional representative, states they have been looking at ways of extending NSRI’s coverage for this area.
“Lately the NSRI has been responding to a lot of emergencies on the wild side and it was fitting for us to have an auxiliary base that could service this area,” he said.
This auxiliary base will hasten the response time from the Port of Port Elizabeth in the city of Gqeberha, deeming it necessary to have this satellite station at Noordhoek Ski Boat Club (NSBC). The crew will now be able to respond directly to Noordhoek, launch the boat from there and be on the scene as soon as possible. “As we all know that in a rescue, time is of the essence,” Gray said.
This new auxiliary base is at Noordhoek Ski Boat Club and was opened and blessed officially by NSRI Station 6 Gqeberha.
The NSRI could not have put this new boat shed and positioning together without the help of the ski boat club or its members and business owners who have contributed so generously towards this project. Ultimately, this was a community initiative for the purpose and peace of mind for all those that enjoy the waters on the wild side.
– ISSUED BY NATIONAL SEA RESCUE INSTITUTE (NSRI)
