The National Sea Rescue Institute’s new Mykonos rescue vessel, Rescue 4, was launched earlier this month, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s Class 1 replacement programme.
The vessel is the second-last of the new Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC) fleet to be launched, with the final vessel destined for Hout Bay.
Head of Fleet and Facilities Graeme Harding said the launch went smoothly with assistance from staff at Two Oceans and Teemane Cranes. The outside temperature of approximately 36°C allowed the air conditioning to be thoroughly tested and all systems to be checked.
The vessel will now undergo the required SAMSA certification and sea trials before being formally handed over to the station, expected in the first week of April.
Valued at around R26 million, Rescue 4 represents a major investment in capability, safety and endurance. The new rescue base at Club Mykonos in Langebaan, built at a similar cost, has been designed specifically to support the next-generation craft.
Designed for West Coast conditions
The West Coast presents particular challenges for sea rescue operations, including medical evacuations from large ships and searching for lost fishing boats in thick fog.
Harding explained that the outside helming position on the ORC makes it easier for the helmsman to manoeuvre the boat alongside large ships in difficult sea conditions. The vessel’s advanced equipment, shock-mitigating seats and all-around safety rail provide protection for crews tackling longer and more challenging rescues.
The longer range and onboard radio direction finder, which homes in on VHF radio signals, will make it easier to locate vessels in fog or poor visibility.
New base for modern operations
The arrival of ORC 7 has been paired with a complete rebuild of the Mykonos rescue base. Project Manager Willem de Waal said the old building had become too small with cramped spaces.
The new facility includes a more spacious control room, larger ablutions, expanded training room for crew, and increased space for vehicles and smaller assets.
Located on the harbour wall and exposed to wind and sea spray, the building’s seaward side has extra waterproofing and limited windows. The structure sits higher above sea level to prevent storm surges and high tides from washing into the boathouse.
A completely rebuilt slipway with a steel rail-and-cradle system will make launching and recovering Rescue 4 safer and more efficient. De Waal said the rail system makes it safer for crew and easier to launch in adverse weather conditions.
Built to last
De Waal said the investment in infrastructure is necessary to support the significantly larger and more capable ORC vessels. Both the boat and building have been designed to last at least 40 years, ensuring Mykonos can continue to respond effectively to emergencies without requiring costly modifications or replacements in the future.
