PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A swift and well-coordinated response by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Plettenberg Bay ensured the successful rescue of six people after a boat capsized at the Keurbooms River Mouth, as well as the safe recovery of two kayakers reported to be in distress earlier the same day.

NSRI Plettenberg Bay deputy station commander Ross Badenhorst said duty crews were activated at 16:17 on Monday, 22 December, following reports from eyewitnesses who saw a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) capsize at the Keurbooms River Mouth.

"Eyewitnesses reported that a boat had capsized with six people in the water," Badenhorst said. "Our duty crew immediately responded from Station 14, launching three rescue craft, while rescue swimmers and ER24 ambulance services were also activated."

He added that three privately owned boats, helmed by NSRI crew members who were already on the Keurbooms Lagoon at the time, responded simultaneously. "Those boats arrived on scene quickly and were able to assist directly at the capsized vessel," he said.

"All six casualties, two adult men and four teenage boys, were rescued from the water and brought safely to shore," Badenhorst confirmed.

"They were assessed by NSRI medics and an NSRI doctor. Two of the teenagers sustained injuries and were transported to hospital for further medical care."

The casualty vessel was later recovered. "Using one of our rescue craft, the boat was towed to the Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park, where it was righted and recovered onto its trailer with the help of a tractor," Badenhorst said. "It appears the boat capsized after being hit by waves while attempting to enter the river mouth. We commend the swift response by all involved."

Earlier that same morning, NSRI Plettenberg Bay responded to a separate incident involving kayakers offshore of Central Beach at Blinders.

"At around 08:00, we received reports of two kayakers on a double kayak who appeared to be in distress," Badenhorst said. "They were waving towards shore and it looked as though they had no paddles."

Rescue craft Rescue Ray was launched, while shore crew monitored the situation. "One kayaker attempted to paddle toward shore but then returned to assist his partner," he explained.

"When our rescue craft reached them, both men were taken onboard and a towline was secured to their kayak," Badenhorst said. "Although they managed to retrieve one paddle, their kayak had already become swamped with water."

The two men, aged 44 from Mossel Bay and 50 from Jeffreys Bay, were brought safely to the NSRI rescue base and required no further medical treatment.

NSRI has once again appealed to all paddlers, boaters, and sailors to download and use the NSRI SafeTRX smartphone application to improve safety and assist rescue efforts in an emergency.

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