MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

2 paddlers rescued after Fish Farm protest goes wrong

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Ian Gray, NSRI Port Elizabeth station commander, said; “At 17h30 on Friday 20 February, NSRI Port Elizabeth duty crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) following an urgent request for assistance from a paddler reporting his two friends, on a double paddle board, to be capsized and in difficulty off-shore of Pollock Beach, between Pollock Beach and the Bell Buoy in Nelson Mandela Bay.

“The paddler reported that he was on a single paddle board and staying with his two friends (who were on a double paddle board) and that they had capsized and were unable to get back onto their paddle board.

“NSRI Port Elizabeth duty crew launched EIKOS RESCUER IV and following a brief search the paddlers were found clinging to their double paddle board.

“On arrival on-scene both men were rescued onto the sea rescue craft and their double paddle board was recovered. Their friend, who had remained with them until help arrived, paddled ashore.

“Both men, locals Andrew Stewart, 46, and Dave Pattle, 40, were treated for mild hypothermia and brought to shore where once warmed up they required no further assistance.

“It appears that they had launched on the double paddle board accompanied by a cameraman, on a single paddle board, to apparently film a protest of a proposed fish farm but got into difficulty when their paddle board was swamped and capsized and their cameraman raised the alarm.”

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.