The final day of Prince William’s visit to Cape Town for Earthshot 2024 concluded with a meaningful stop at the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Simon’s Town. The visit, which took place on Thursday, November 7, wrapped up a week dedicated to environmental sustainability and community engagement, Cape {town} Etc reports.
During his visit, Prince William, accompanied by NSRI CEO Mike Vonk and volunteer crew members, received a guided tour of the Simon’s Town Patti Price Sea Rescue station. In a nod to his own experience as a former Search and Rescue helicopter pilot for the Royal Air Force, the Prince displayed a strong connection to the NSRI’s life-saving work. His background, which includes 156 rescue operations and a personal role in saving 149 lives, brought added insight to the day’s activities.
Following the tour, Prince William boarded the NSRI’s 15-meter offshore rescue craft, Donna Nicholas, for a journey across False Bay to Kalk Bay Harbour. Accompanied by the NSRI craft Jack & Irene, the Prince braved Cape Town’s notorious southeasterly winds, gaining firsthand appreciation of the challenging conditions NSRI volunteers often face.
In Kalk Bay, Prince William met with the team from Abalobi, a social enterprise and Earthshot finalist working closely with Cape Town’s fishing community. The organization aims to empower local fishers through sustainable practices, exemplifying the Earthshot Prize’s mission to foster innovation and environmental stewardship.
Reflecting on the Prince’s visit, NSRI CEO Mike Vonk expressed admiration for his engagement with the rescue crew and volunteers. ‘Given the Prince’s background in search and rescue, he appeared naturally interested in our operations. He was eager to meet our volunteers and understand what drives them to contribute their time and skills,’ Vonk shared.
Prince William also showed particular interest in the NSRI SafeTrx App, which helps ensure the safety of water users, and discussed the organization’s Survival Swimming program, echoing his own foundation’s emphasis on water safety and swimming education.
‘It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work of the NSRI, and his genuine interest in our volunteers was truly special,’ Vonk added. ‘It was clear he is a people person—he was sincerely engaged in the work our volunteers do.’
The Earthshot Prize, established in 2020 by the Royal Foundation, has quickly become one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards, aiming to identify and support innovative solutions to global environmental challenges. Prince William’s Cape Town visit, culminating with his time at the NSRI, underscored his dedication to environmental protection and community resilience, leaving an inspiring mark on the local community.
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Picture: NSRI
