The new NSRI boat Rescue 17 which was fully built in South Africa. Picture: Supplied
Cape Town - The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has equipped its rescue station in Hermanus (Station 17) with a new deep sea rescue vessel, the first fully South African built Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC).
NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson said the new world-class rescue boat, called The Legacy, proudly carries the names of many loved ones.
“Our donors have honoured their loved ones and helped us in building this next generation of rescue craft, constructed entirely in South Africa to save lives on South African waters,” he said.
Naomie van der Walt, one of the donors who has put her late son’s name, Riaan van der Walt, on the boat, said it is the best donation in the world.
“You won’t believe what this project means to me. This is the best gift that I could give my son, Riaan, who would have turned 31 on the 20th of November 2022, if he hadn’t drowned in 2014, but now I know that he will be part of every rescue operation Station 17 does,” she said.
The NSRI said this coastline typically sees rescue operations (eg , RIP current incidents) in season but also supports deep sea offshore rescue operations which include medical evacuations off shipping.
“The advantage of having a rescue craft of this calibre and range (up to 50 nautical miles) means the NSRI’s call out time will be greatly improved.
Marking this momentous day, the NSRI Hermanus blessed its newly built Rescue Base as well the ORC.
The station has a rich history as it was founded in 1978 by a group of water activists, including Michael Clark, in whose honour the boat shed has been named.
Also in attendance was the family of the Late Graham Westcott, the first station commander of NSRI Station 17 Hermanus. His widow Anette carried out the ceremony of naming the vessel The Legacy
“To continue to deliver a world-class rescue service in South Africa, we are investing in modern, high-tech rescue crafts that will save even more lives on South African waters,” said Dr Cleeve Robertson.
For those who want to honour their loved ones on one of the future vessels, email: [email protected]
Cape Argus