Tourists rescued after boat capsizes

TWO tourists, a couple from the Netherlands, were transported to hospital after they almost drowned when their boat capsized in Knysna yesterday.

The people on the boat included a local male skipper, eight men and three women tourists, of whom six were from the Netherlands and four from Germany.

NSRI Knysna crew were activated after being alerted by restaurant staff at East Head Café, who witnessed the boat capsizing not far from the area’s Island Rock.

The NSRI crew responded within seven minutes after being activated.

NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said sea conditions were 3m to 4m swells.

All the people on the capsized boat were rescued, and only the couple were found to be in need of medical care, said Lambinon.

The husband was found to have a pre-existing medical condition, and it was decided to have both of them transported to hospital as a precaution.

Lambinon said the couple were in a stable condition following their hospital visit.

The boat had not been recovered and remained in rough waters on the western side of the Knysna Heads.

“Once sea conditions are favourable the owners will investigate the recovery of the casualty boat,” Lambinon said, adding that the South African Maritime Safety Authority was investigating the incident.

“NSRI can confirm that both the husband and wife who were transported to hospital are well, and that their release from hospital is imminent,” he added.