NSRI Port Elizabeth volunteer sea rescue duty crew are responding to catch a 36 foot yacht being blown further out to sea, with 4 men onboard, after the yachts steering is reported to have sustained mechanical failure.
The yacht, sailing from Richard’s Bay to Port Elizabeth, alerted NSRI this morning to say that their steering has failed and in strong winds they are being blown off-shore and are currently 2 nautical miles South of Bird Island, about 38 nautical miles from Port Elizabeth.
NSRI volunteers are responding to the NSRI Port Elizabeth sea rescue base to launch the deep-sea rescue craft Spirit of Toft.
The men are reported as not injured but requiring urgent assistance.
UPDATE: The Port Elizabeth yacht Hail Forth, with 4 males from Port Elizabeth onboard, sailing from Richards Bay to her home Port of Port Elizabeth, was met by NSRI Port Elizabeth sea rescue craft Spirit of Toft at 10h00 this morning, approximately 40 nautical miles off-shore, and a tow-line was rigged.
Ian Gray, NSRI Port Elizabeth station commander, said; “All 4 men were found safe and not injured after their yacht’s steering damaged causing them to be swept further out to sea despite efforts to slow their drift and they called for assistance.
“The towing effort by NSRI Port Elizabeth has been slow, between 5 knots and 6.5 knots, towing against a (up to) 30 knot South Westerly wind and a drogue was deployed behind the yacht to help stabilize the yacht for the tow and this further slowed progress.
“The towing effort is currently making headway of 6.5 knots and we expect them safely in Port at 16h30 today.”
Alan Straton
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Any craft operating out of an SA port should be forced to “affiliate” with the NSRI and pay a yearly fee – much like AA membership. The majority of recues that the NSRI perform are uncompensated.
Back in 1999 the NSRI assisted the Longhair and I in Gordon’s Bay. A stiff South Easter and a broken anchor do not mix well together. Rather than sailing away out of the bay under shortened sail we opted to accept the NSRI’s offer of a tow to Gordon’s Bay.
Since that day we have avidly supported the NSRI and can assure you that the amount of cash contributed to them has far outstripped the cost of that one rescue.
On top of that I actively highlight the NSRI’s work on MyPE and other sites so that they may get a large bite of the cherry to keep going with their incredible work.
Did you know that most of the NSRI crew buy their own foul weather gear and wetsuits?
I am of the opinion that a TAX will result in a much poorer service from the NSRI – those volunteers deserve a medal and they do it for love of their fellow man.
Yep, I used to be an NSRI member, way back in the 1970’s – amazed me how many people were rescued and the moment they were brought alongside, nary a word of thanks or offer of compensation for the fuel used, etc.