DAFF Research boat saved off H’Bay

Crews of the Wilderness and Mossel Bay NSRI were involved in a tricky deep-sea rescue on Monday 13 August off-shore from Herold’s Bay. The research boat Derek-1 sent a distress signal, reporting rope tangled in the boat’s engine propellers. The 13-metre boat was dragging anchor in heavy surf and at risk of running aground - just half a nautical mile from Herold’s Bay beach with seven crew on board in three-metre swells.

André Fraser, NSRI Mossel Bay station commander, said the sea rescue was launched at 13:15 when NSRI Mossel Bay and NSRI Wilderness duty crew responded following reports from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) that their vessel was in danger.

The 13-metre boat was dragging anchor in heavy surf and at risk of running aground - just half a nautical mile from Herold’s Bay beach.

Four boats to the rescue

The NSRI Wilderness sea rescue craft Spirit of Rotary was launched at Wilderness and the NSRI Wilderness sea rescue craft Lavenia was launched from Herold’s Bay, while the NSRI Mossel Bay craft Rescue 15 was launched at Mossel Bay, carrying a salvage diver, Kobus van der Bank.

“We were not aware at that stage that a private Mossel Bay boat, Proppies, approaching Mossel Bay harbour from the direction of the Gouritz river, was able to reach the scene quickly. The skipper of Proppies, the diver’s son, had heard of the situation and responded to see if they can be

of assistance,” said Fraser.

Quick reaction saved the day

“When sea rescue arrived on the scene, Proppies already had a towline attached to the casualty boat and were holding her off-shore. This quick action saved Derek-1 from running aground,” said Fraser. “NSRI Mossel Bay’s deep sea rescue craft Rescue 15 took over the tow and towed her to deeper water, where Van der Bank, under the watchful eye of his son, was able to cut all line free of the floundering boat motors. Derek-1 was able to motor to Mossel Bay harbour under her own steam and no further assistance was required.” NSRI commends the swift action of the skipper and crew of Proppies.

* To report a sea rescue emergency, dial 112 from a cellphone.

See more photos and a video at www.georgeherald.com The NSRI Wilderness crew take a breather after a successful rescue mission on Monday just off the coast of Herold’s Bay. Crew members are, from left: Jonathan Britton, Andrew Burrell, Warren Page, Francois Potgieter on Spirit of Rotary. The photo was taken by Michael Vonk from the other rescue boat, Levenia.

NSRI Wilderness sea rescue craft remained on the scene for safety and as a platform for salvage diver Kobus van der Bank from Mossel Bay.