The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 21 in St Francis Bay has announced the election of Paul Hurley as its new Station Commander, following a vote taken every three years by the station’s volunteer crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He succeeds Sara Jane Smith, who had to stand down after serving with distinction in the role for the maximum allowed nine years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smith will remain on the rescue team as an operational coxswain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brett Ayres, NSRI Director of Rescue Services, said that Smith’s contribution to the station and the broader St Francis Bay community is deeply appreciated by the NSRI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Her leadership was evident throughout her tenure, and perhaps most notable during the rescue of 24 fishermen after their vessel ran aground at Shark Point on 6 January 2024. Every single crew member was safely brought ashore thanks to the Sea Rescue crew’s excellence and Sara’s calm and effective coordination of the rescue,” said Ayres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hurley is no stranger to leadership roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He joined the NSRI 15 years ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hurley previously served as Station Commander from 2014 to 2016, returned as Deputy in 2023, and stepped up once again on 1 June this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Paul brings continuity, experience, and proven leadership,” said Ayres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He is a qualified Class 2 Coxswain with advanced training in navigation, maritime emergency care, firefighting and swift water rescue. With more than 670 sea hours, over 150 of which were completed during operations, he is well equipped to lead.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Station 21, staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers, plays a vital role in maritime safety along the Kouga coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From medical evacuations to assisting grounded vessels and aiding people in distress, the team is always on call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The station also supports local events, marine conservation efforts and the NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoy project, which has saved at least 221 lives nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We are deeply grateful to the St Francis community for its continued support of the NSRI,” said Ayres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We are also grateful to the volunteers at Station 21, who give their time and skill so selflessly. Thank you. Your commitment to saving lives is truly extraordinary.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NSRI Station 21 in St Francis Bay has elected Paul Hurley as its new Station Commander following a vote by volunteer crew members held every three 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