Sarah Smith, station commander at Station 21 St Francis Bay reported that just before 10h00, yesterday, 12th June, NSRI St Francis Bay duty crew were activated following eye-witness reports of a boat capsized almost a nautical mile off-shore of the Kromme River Mouth.

NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene while the sea rescue craft Spirit of St Francis II and Rescue 21 Alpha were launched. EC Government Health EMS were also activated and responded.

On arrival on the scene the found that a crew aboard a local rubber duck had rescued two men who they found in the water next to the capsized boat Nemo, a nautical mile off-shore. The had in the meantime, brought both men, aged 40 and 46, to the beach.

It appears that while fishing from their boat a wave capsized their boat. They had been in the water for at least an hour and a half before eye-witnesses on the beach noticed the boat adrift at sea and raised the alarm.

NSRI used our Rescue Runner to bring both men to the NSRI rescue craft and they were both brought to our sea rescue base where EMS paramedics attended to the men for minor injuries, shock and mild hypothermia but they declined being transported to hospital and they were advised on precautions for non-fatal drowning symptoms.

They are expecting that the tide washes their capsized boat ashore to be recovered.

NSRI commended the rescue effort by the crew of the private rubber-duck and as always we commend NSRI who are always there to serve  us.

Thanks again NSRI and congratulations Sarah-Jane and the Station 21 St Francis Bay crew on being awarded The Best RIB Station of the year 2017.

Sarah-Jane receiving the award for The Best RIB Station of the year 2017