In a recent factory fire in Gqeberha, one
of the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI’s) 4m JetRIBs tragically went up
in flames.
This craft had recently been given to the NSRI’s Gqeberha base
(Station 6) and was in for engine maintenance at a factory which burnt to the
ground, along with all other boats inside. Thankfully, no one was injured in the
fire.
The
JetRIB – an NSRI innovation, has been a complete game changer for rescues in
the surf. It is operated by water-jet propulsion. This water-jet propulsion is more
eco-friendly than the traditional outboard petrol engine and, by removing
propellers from the water, it eliminates the real danger of a propeller strike
to patients and rescue swimmers.
Dr. Cleeve Robertson, NSRI CEO, says: “We
are phasing out our 4.2 metre RIB’s in favour of the JetRIB because of their
phenomenal sea-keeping capabilities and its safety characteristics. It is
tragic to have lost one. Although the JetRIB is insured, the
organisation does not immediately have a replacement vessel and production time
is a few months. We are still able to fulfill our lifesaving duty, however, we
will not have all the ideal tools we need.”
The Gqeberha region undertakes both
inshore and offshore rescues. This year, the volunteer rescue crew at Gqeberha
have carried out 25 rescue operations, including medical evacuations off ships
and responding to drowning in progress emergencies.
“Having lost
a vessel sets us back in our plan to roll these craft to every service we have
along 3000km of coastline. We are almost entirely reliant on public funding and
so we call on any individual or corporate able to assist us to replace this
vessel, to donate or get in touch with us through our website – nsri.org.za,”
concludes Dr. Robertson.
PE Express recently reported on a fire at Butt Cat Boats in Brickmaker’s Kloof, that went up in flames on May 9. The fire gutted everything in a matter of hours. These include several boats in various stages of repair.
