PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Plettenberg Bay NSRI have had a busy weekend.
In the first incident, which happened last Thursday, a paddler was rescued and in the second, a cyclist.
Laurent Eray, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty coxswain, said: “At 18:15, Thursday, 22 March, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew responded aboard Airline Rescuer and Ray Farnham Rescuer following reports of a paddler in difficulty off-shore of Beacon Island in a strong Easterly wind and poor visibility.
"It appears that a local adult male paddler had fallen out of his surf ski two kilometres from Beacon Island and he called out for help after being unable to get back into the Surf ski after he unlatched the leash after getting tangled up in it - and in the process the surf-ski washed away from him afloat off-shore in his life-jacket.
"Two paddlers in the area at the time heard his cries for help and went to assist while a paddler closer in shore saw the commotion and raised the alarm.
"Following a brief search NSRI located the paddlers with the man holding onto the surf-ski of the two good samaritans who had gone to help him.
"The paddler was put onto the NSRI rescue craft and taken to Robberg Beach where his surf-ski had washed up on the beach.
"NSRI shore crew then walked him back to Central Beach and no further assistance was required.
"The paddlers who went to the aid of the man are commended for their actions."
Saturday, 24 March
At 10:36 an NSRI Plettenberg Bay coxswain on a Plett Cycling Club group bike ride raised the alarm after one of the cyclists, a local 25- year- old man, fell off his bike suffering a back and neck injury at the Cairnbrogie, Kranshoek cycling route.
NSRI Medics responded in our NSRI 4x4 rescue vehicle and in private cars and Medlife ambulance services responded.
"Our NSRI medics stabilised the patient and transported him to the roadway where he was taken into the care of paramedics and transported to hospital by ambulance in a stable condition."
Sunday, 25 March
NSRI Plettenberg Bay are appealing to anyone who has knowledge of fishing equipment found on Lookout Beach to please contact NSRI Plettenberg Bay 082 990 5975.
NSRI have recovered the equipment and no reports of anyone missing has been reported. They we are appealing for information to assist us to identify the owner of the fishing equipment.
ARTICLE: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT
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