CAPE TOWN – The NSRI Simon’s Town duty crew responded to two separate maritime emergencies on Sunday 15 March, ensuring all involved were brought safely ashore.
In the first incident, the crew was activated following a request for assistance from a solo yachtsman whose vessel suffered rudder failure approximately 15 nautical miles south of Cape Point, near Rocky Banks.
The NSRI Emergency Operations Centre coordinated the response while Telkom Maritime Radio Services maintained communication with the sailor.
Rescuers launched the craft Donna Nicholas, and reached the stranded yacht at 16:07, finding the sailor safe but adrift.
A towline was secured, and in an operation that continued into the evening, the yacht was towed without incident to Simon’s Town.
A second rescue craft, Jack & Irene, assisted with mooring at the False Bay Yacht Club. The operation concluded at 20:57.
While this operation was underway, NSRI crews were alerted to a second emergency at 16:10. Eyewitness reports indicated that two paddlers on a double surf ski had capsized about 500 metres offshore near Ark Rock.
A distress flare was also spotted, and an emergency alert was received via the NSRI SafeTRX system.
The Jack & Irene craft was dispatched and quickly located the two local women.
They were safely taken aboard, and their surf ski was recovered. Both paddlers were returned to the NSRI base unharmed and required no further assistance.
