Zippy new vessel ‘awaits’ Garden Route poachers

SANParks has intensified its efforts combating environmental crimes, specifically in the Garden Route National Park.

A new vessel was launched yesterday as part of its various plans to combat environmental crimes.

The new vessel replaces the 10-year-old rubber duck which patrols the Knysna estuary.

The vessel was named Ilindile, which in Xhosa means “It awaits”. The 5.8m Infanta rubber duck has two Yamaha 60-horsepower, four-stroke engines sourced through Knysna Marine.

Speaking at the launch, park manager for the Garden Route National Park, Paddy Gordon, introduced Megan Taplin as the new area manager for Knysna. He said the Knysna estuary was recently declared South Africa’s number 1 estuary in terms of its rich biodiversity.

“It rakes in billions for property agents of people who buy along the water body for its sense of place, and is a huge spinner for tourism for water activities,” Gordon said.

Independent researchers Barry Clarke and Jane Turpy said the estuary is home to 43% of South Africa’s plant and animal life and supports rare fish species such as grunter, white steenbras, dusky cob and Cape stumpnose.

Knysna’s jewel, the estuary, contributes 21.6% of the economic value of the 249 national estuaries.

Referring to the Ilindile, Owen Govender, senior section ranger for Knysna Marine, said: “The vessel was Samsa certified under Category C, meaning it complies with all safety requirements and has equipment to enable it to go out to sea and assist other stakeholders if necessary.

“The vessel will be used for various purposes, including compliance monitoring patrols, maintenance, research and rescue operations, and will also assist other stakeholders like the NSRI and police.”