NSRI invests in state-of-the-art rescue vessels to strengthen its rescue mission

THE NATIONAL Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is making a significant investment in new generation state-of-the-art rescue vessels that will continue to help in delivering world-class rescue services across the Southern African waters.

Western Cape premier Alan Winde and Overberg executive mayor Andries Francken toured the Two Oceans Marine in Cape Town on Monday May 3, where the NSRI’s third Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC) destined for Station 17 Hermanus is currently in production.

NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Roberston and Two Oceans Marine CEO Mark Delany conducted the tour and highlighted the new vessel’s enhanced search and rescue capabilities, as well as the NSRI’s life-saving investment into boat building, and the Western Cape maritime industry and blue economy.

The NSRI’s third ORC will be the first search and rescue ORC built entirely in South Africa and by South Africans, creating employment and developing new skills. The new world-class rescue boat will begin its maiden voyage to Station 17, Hermanus, later this year.

“To continue to deliver world-class rescue services in South Africa, the NSRI is investing in modern, high-tech rescue crafts that will save even more lives on South African waters.

“It is also our vision to support local people and local industries by having our rescue boats built in South Africa. This investment will see the first South Africanbuilt

offshore search and rescue craft being put together by local hands. It is a boost for what was once a thriving South African boatbuilding industry,” added Robertson.

Important rescue stats from last year:

• There are currently 1 296 operational volunteer rescue crew;

• There are currently 42 rescue bases and five satellite rescue bases around the country;

• The NSRI has 102 rescue crafts in operation;

• Over the past year, the NSRI has rescued 835 people and conducted 971 rescue operations.

• In total, rescue volunteers have spent 8 582 hours involved in rescue operations;

• Around 59 animals have been rescued.

While it provides a critical service to the general public, the NSRI also supports South Africa’s national institutions to fulfil their mandates in maritime rescue. For example, all coastal airports must be supported by a maritime rescue service to comply with international aviation law.

The NSRI is inviting all South Africans to assist in funding the new search and rescue vessels. The organisation is appealing for donations from as many people as possible, that way they can ensure that their rescue craft, services and drowning prevention initiatives can continue to save lives on South African waters for years to come.

The NSRI is entirely funded by donations, receives limited government support and is the only national organisation delivering both coastal and inland rescue services. The institute’s goal is to prevent drowning through rescue operations, education and prevention initiatives. Operating from base stations along the SA coastline, and on inland dams, the NSRI’s 1 500 strong rescue crew are all unpaid volunteers, who are on call day and night throughout the year.

It’s rescue crew receives no payment and neither do they charge the people who they rescue.

The institute visits schools around the country teaching children about water safety and drowning. Its drowning prevention measures include the NSRI’s online training academy with free courses for crew and the public, emergency signage, Pink Rescue Buoys for emergency flotation, rescue swimmers, lifeguards, and active patrols during peak seasons.

The organisation is completely reliant on donations and sponsorships. This enables the NSRI to do the work of saving lives on South African Waters daily. You can do your bit to assist. For more information on how you can help save a life or to donate, visit: