Two fishermen were rescued by the NSRI after their boat capsized offshore near Simon’s Town over the weekend.
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NSRI Simon’s Town duty crew were activated following reports from a resident that two people were clinging to the upturned hull of their capsized craft, with flotsam visible in the water, a nautical mile from Rocklands, Murdoch Valley.
The coast watchers were alerted while the vigilant eye-witness continued to keep a visual on the casualties.
The NSRI duty crew and additional off-duty crew raced expeditiously to the Simon’s Town rescue station where swimmers suited up in their gear while the NSRI Simon’s Town rescue craft Donna Nicholas was swiftly launched.
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On arrival in the area, thanks to the vigilance of the original eye-witness, who had raised the alarm and who was keeping watch of the casualty upturned hull of the boat that appeared to be sinking with the men clinging onto the upturned hull.
Their capsized craft was semi-submerged and rescue swimmers assisted them through the water towards the rescue craft where they were safely recovered onto the rescue craft.
NSRI medics initiated rewarming procedures for hypothermia sustained to both men.
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Considering the serious medical conditions of both men the decision was taken by coxswain Darren Zimmerman to place a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) on the semi-submerged capsized casualty craft – in order to monitor her position – while Telkom Maritime Radio Services broadcast an all ships VHF marine radio alert to shipping in the area to avoid the maritime navigational hazard, while NSRI brought the 2 men to our rescue station to be taken into the care of CMR paramedics.
Following rewarming procedures both men required no further medical care.
TheI rescue craft returned to the position of the PLB where the casualty craft was again located and brought to the rescue station without incident.
NSRI commended the assistance of Telkom Maritime Radio Services during the rescue and recovery operation that completed at 1:30pm.
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Picture: NSRI