THE National Sea Rescue Institute’s sixth Offshore Rescue Craft, known as Rescue 6, has successfully completed its maiden voyage from Cape Town to Gqeberha’s port of Port Elizabeth. The vessel arrived at 15:30 on September 25.
Built by Two Oceans Marine in Cape Town, the ORC is designed for high performance in harsh maritime conditions. It is self-righting and purpose-built for rescue operations in extreme conditions. Measuring 14.8m in length and 4.8m in width, it can be deployed up to 50 nautical miles from land and has an expected lifespan of at least 40 years.
The delivery crew for Rescue 6 included NSRI Training Manager, Graeme Harding, as delivery coxswain, outgoing NSRI CEO, Dr Cleeve Robertson, NSRI Executive Director, Mark Hughes, and three Gqeberha volunteer crew members. They sailed the vessel from Cape Town to Mossel Bay on September 24 and 25. After a crew swap and refuelling at Mossel Bay, Rescue 6 arrived at its new home in Gqeberha’s port of Port Elizabeth.
“The crew at Station 6 is very excited about the arrival of our new rescue boat,” said Justin Erasmus, NSRI’s Gqeberha station Commander. “She is going to make a huge difference to our crew safety and the type of operations that we can safely do.”
The NSRI is still seeking a naming sponsor for the vessel. The new vessel represents a significant upgrade in terms of safety and operational capability, and the crew has adjusted their training to effectively operate this advanced rescue vessel.
“Our fleet replacement programme will see the entire NSRI all-weather search and rescue fleet replaced with new vessels, allowing for increased operational capability,” said Hughes.
“Rescue 6 is the sixth vessel, four of which are entirely South African built. We have another two to build to complete this phase of the fleet replenishment.”
This world-class search and rescue vessel can carry up to 23 survivors and accommodate six volunteer rescue crew in shock-mitigating seats, allowing for high-speed operation in difficult sea conditions.
“Although most rescues are coastal and inshore, an increasing number of our operations require search and rescue vessels with extended range and advanced capability in safety and technology,” said Mark.
“As the only maritime rescue service operating in South African waters, we needed to make this investment to ensure all-round safety for crew and those rescued.”
Anyone interested in the naming rights of this Offshore Rescue Craft, which will be based in Gqeberha’s port of Port Elizabeth, can contact Alison Smith on 082 992 1191.
