While many Capetonians think of it just as a museum, Robben Island is home to a number of families. During lockdown, they have had no access to major shopping centres and have now been resupplied with the help of the NSRI.

“Our NSRI Table Bay sea rescue duty phone was called on Tuesday, April 7, with an appeal for assistance from the Robben Island residents who needed to arrange a resupply of food and essential goods that were running low,” said Marc de Vos, NSRI Table Bay station commander.

Around 13 local residents and their families are on the Island. As a result the Island’s Health and Safety Officer sent a call out to the NSRI, as the usual supply chain is not operational during the lockdown.

Locals arranged with family and friends on the mainland to shop and drop off orders at the NSRI Table Bay base.

“Taking all of the Covid-19 Department of Health precautions and following the health and safety standard protocols the sea rescue craft Spirit of Vodacom was prepared to be launched and the approximately 300 kilograms of food and essential goods were loaded onboard,” De Vos said.

On arrival at the Murray Bay harbour, the goods were offloaded and delivered without incident.

Picture: V&A Waterfront/ Twitter

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