The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Plettenberg Bay successfully rescued six individuals from a capsized rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) at the Keurbooms River Mouth on Monday afternoon, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The incident unfolded at approximately 4:17pm, when eyewitnesses observed the boat overturn, leaving two adults and four teenagers, all males, struggling in the water.
Upon receiving the distress call, Ross Badenhorst, the NSRI Plettenberg Bay deputy station commander, quickly activated the duty crew.
‘The crew immediately launched the NSRI rescue vessels, including the renowned Rescue Ray, alongside the Eric Stratford and Farnham Rescuer boats,’ Badenhorst said.
In addition, three private boats, operated by off-duty NSRI crew members who were in the vicinity on Keurbooms Lagoon, rushed to the scene to offer further assistance.
‘Upon arrival, the NSRI and private boats worked tirelessly to rescue all six individuals from the capsized vessel. Once safely ashore, NSRI medics, assisted by a doctor from the station, conducted thorough medical assessments.
‘Fortunately, the majority escaped unharmed; however, two teenage boys were found to have sustained injuries and were promptly transported to hospital for additional care,’ Badenhorst said.
In a reflective moment post-rescue, Badenhorst praised the swift actions of his team and the fellow rescuers. ‘Our collaborative efforts demonstrated the importance of being prepared and vigilant. It was a successful rescue thanks to the quick response of all involved,’ he added.
The unfortunate capsizing of the boat appears to have been caused by large waves hitting the vessel as it entered the Keurbooms River Mouth.
Following the rescue, the overturned boat was towed to the nearby Keurbooms Lagoon caravan park, where it was uprighted and secured onto its trailer with the help of a tractor.
This dramatic rescue coincided with an earlier emergency, where at around 08h00, the NSRI was alerted to two kayakers in distress offshore of Plettenberg Bay.
Observers reported the pair waving for help; investigations found that the double kayak appeared devoid of paddles and had begun to take on water. NSRI once again sprang into action, launching the Rescue Ray to reach the incapacitated kayakers.
‘Upon arrival, the NSRI crew found that one of the kayakers had made it back to shore, but the second remained stranded on the beleaguered kayak. Both casualties, aged 44 from Mossel Bay and 50 from Jeffreys Bay, were ultimately brought safely to the NSRI rescue base without needing further assistance,’ Badenhorst said.
They encourage the download and use of the NSRI SafeTRX smartphone application to enable easier tracking and timely assistance if emergencies arise.
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