When Finnish yacht Canace ran aground off Mossel Bay, numerous rescue resources were mobilised to assist her off the sand.
14 ONE IN A POD –AN IMPOSSIBLE RESCUE
NSRI Hout Bay spent three days searching for a whale in a super pod to try to free it from entanglement. 18 SAVED BY GOOD SAMARITANS
The difference between a successful peer rescue and tragedy comes down to two actions: calling rescue services and using flotation.
Darren Sutton recalls the rescue that saved his life while he was on holiday in South Africa. 28 ALL IN A DAY
How NSRI’s crews deal with multiple callouts in one day.
MEET MTHE KWEYAMA
More about NSRI’s Lifeguard Operations Manager.
STATION AND SPONSOR NEWS Station and Volunteer Support Centre news, and sponsor updates.
HANDSOME DEVILS
Take a deep dive and discover the lionfish’s way of life.
NSRI BASE LOCATIONS
CAPE TOWN: NSRI, 4 Longclaw Drive, Milnerton, Cape Town, 7441; PO Box 154, Green Point 8051 Tel: +27 21 434 4011 Email: magazine@searescue.org.za Web: www.nsri.org.za facebook.com/SeaRescue youtube.com/@NSRISeaRescue @nsri @searescuesa @nsrisouthafrica
FROM THE HELM
As we enjoy the tail end of another fantastic summer, I’ve been reflecting on what has been an incredibly busy period for the NSRI. Across the country, our volunteers responded tirelessly to call-outs over peak season. The numbers really do tell an impressive story. From 1 December 2024 to 15 January 2025, our rescue crew carried out 262 operations, with 320 people rescued, along with 11 animals and 83 vessels assisted. Our busiest day was on 26 December, with an incredible 42 operations.
I had the pleasure of meeting Veikko and Hanna-Marja from Finland, who are in their ninth year of circumnavigating the world. Their sailing yacht, Canace, ran aground in Mossel Bay in January after their mooring broke (our cover image). After being towed from Santos Beach by the NSRI Mossel Bay crew, they spent some time in Cape Town and are immensely grateful for the assistance they received.
The dedication of our volunteers – often at great personal sacrifice and at a time when most South Africans are enjoying time off with families – continues to inspire. We thank them deeply for their unwavering commitment to saving lives.
Our lifeguards have also played a crucial role this season across 50 sites, with employment created for 275 individuals. Their efforts go beyond prevention and rescue; they represent the future of the NSRI, embodying transformation and growth. Time and again, we witness remarkable stories of bravery, teamwork and leadership, each one reinforcing our purpose of ‘Creating Futures’.
On 6 November we reached a key milestone of 200 lives (that we know of) saved with the aid of a Pink Rescue Buoy. A sharkspotter used this flotation to rescue a 16-year-old girl at Glencairn. Less than two months later, on 4 February, we reached 215 lives saved, when a Pink Rescue Buoy was used to help a German visitor caught in a rip current at Kleinmond Beach.
Behind the scenes, our Volunteer Support Centre (VSC) team has been working tirelessly to ensure smooth frontline operations – whether managing calls in the Emergency Operations Centre, providing operational leadership, or keeping corporate services running efficiently. While much of South Africa slows down over the festive season, the NSRI accelerates, ensuring that every aspect of our mission remains in motion.
Our marketing efforts also made a significant impact, with HRH The Prince of Wales’s visit to NSRI Simon’s Town receiving global recognition. Meanwhile, the coordination of safety messaging throughout the festive season strengthened our prevention strategies and reinforced the vital role we play in water safety awareness.
Having now spent three months in this role, I remain deeply grateful for the privilege of being part of an organisation built on the commitment and passion of its people. Volunteers and staff alike are the heart of the NSRI, and I am both humbled and energised by the challenges ahead. Together, we will continue to serve with purpose, drive water safety initiatives, and honour our mission to save lives.
#ItsWhatWeDo
MIKE VONK, CEO
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RECOGNITION FOR NSRI’S CRITICAL ROLE
Thank you for the December 2024 edition of your newsletter. It’s always a privilege to stay updated on the incredible work being done by the National Sea Rescue Institute. The stories shared in this issue, from real-life rescue missions to the advances in water safety, are truly inspiring.
A special mention to NSRI CEO Mike Vonk for his heartfelt year-end message, which beautifully highlights the dedication and volunteerism that make NSRI such a vital organisation. The story of the diver rescue and the complex medical evacuation demonstrates the professionalism and bravery of your teams, and it’s a reminder of the critical role the NSRI plays in keeping our coastlines safe.
I was also pleased to read about the Pink Rescue Buoy initiative. Over 200 lives saved is a remarkable achievement, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that continues to innovate and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Thank you for all that you do. It’s an honour to be associated with the NSRI, and I look forward to continuing to support your mission in the year ahead.
Warm regards,
JOHAN LOURENS
COMMEMORATING MY DAD, SHANE KEMPEN
My father, Shane Kempen, was the Station Commander of Station 30 (Agulhas/ Struisbaai) for a number of years. He passed away a couple months ago, and while I was going through his belongings, I found some NSRI-related items I wanted to return.
I know my father was incredibly proud of the legacy he built at Station 30, where he served with unwavering commitment and dedication. As Station Commander, he dedicated countless years not just to the station, but to the community it served. From the early days, when they operated out of a converted container at Struisbaai harbour, he worked tirelessly to ensure the station’s growth and success. Through his leadership, Station 30 became more than just a base; it became a symbol of service, care and resilience.
Under his guidance, Station 30 transitioned from humble beginnings to a better-equipped facility, housing the boat in the Agulhas Nature Reserve. But my father’s vision didn’t stop there. He understood the importance of having a strong and reliable base for operations. He worked constantly to secure the station’s own premises, providing not only a home for Vodacom Rescuer but also a space to hold crew meetings, fostering camaraderie and collaboration among the crew.
What truly stood out about my father was his incredible passion for helping others. His commitment to ensuring the station’s success was never driven by personal recognition, but by a deep sense of responsibility to the community and those
around him. He transformed Station 30 into a place of excellence, always striving to improve and evolve, and instilling that same sense of drive in the crew members who worked alongside him.
His legacy is one of selfless service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of others. He didn’t just build a station; he built a family. The lessons he imparted, the standards he set, and the relationships he nurtured will live on, ensuring that Station 30 remains a place where people come together to make a difference, just as he did.
SASHA KEMPEN
KUDOS TO THE NSRI
Thank you for the wonderful update in the Summer newsletter. It is always inspiring to read about the incredible work being done by the NSRI teams. We were especially moved by the stories of dedication, such as the Gariep Dam team’s efforts and the volunteers at the Survival Swimming Centre. We are proud to support such a vital organisation that is making such a positive impact on people’s lives and the environment. Wishing you all the best.
MR AND MRS LOURENS
GORDON’S BAY RESPONDS
The writer of the winning letter published in the next issue of Sea Rescue will win an NSRI hoodie and a copy of Wood, Iron and Steel by Bruce Henderson and Kelly Graham. Email us at magazine@searescue.org. za with your stories. WRITE TO US AND WIN!
WOOD, IRON AND STEEL
BY BRUCE HENDERSON
AND KELLY GRAHAM
I would like to convey my sincere appreciation to the Gordon’s Bay Sea Rescue team that came to our assistance when our boat’s batteries ran dead. After we logged a call, a highly competent, professional and friendly crew came to assist us. And in no time, we were sorted and accompanied back to the harbour. You guys are simply amazing. Thank you! God bless you and this life-saving institution.
PAUL BARENDSE
STATION 6 TO THE RESCUE
I would like to extend our gratitude for the prompt and professional service we received from NSRI Gqerberha. A crew member who had fallen seriously ill onboard Harvest Mzanzi was safely and efficiently extracted by a highly competent and efficient crew on 14 November. Please convey our appreciation to your Station Commander and crew on a job very well done. Thank you for the essential service you provide in keeping our seafarers safe.
CHRISTO BOTHA, SALDANHA
Wood, Iron and Steel features 60 shipwrecks that reflect the diverse maritime history of the Western Cape. The book is the first of its kind in South Africa, combining state-of-theart, high-resolution sonar images of shipwrecks, diving photography, and archive images offering an unparalleled glimpse into these hidden maritime archaeological treasures. The featured wrecks, dating from 1698 to 2009, include wooden sailing ships that traded between Europe and the East, iron-hulled steamers, and modern vessels made of steel. From passenger liners to deep-sea trawlers, tugs, dredgers and bulk carriers, every wreck had a life before it was lost, and every loss has a tale of its own.
Divers, mariners, historians, archaeologists, maritime enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the sea will enjoy this glimpse into a world few people experience. Visit wrecklessmarine.com for more information. Use coupon code ‘nsri’ and receive a R100 discount when you order. Offer valid until 31 May 2025.
Canace moored off a buoy off Santos Beach, Mossel Bay
A LIFELINE WHEN NEEDED
A short stop-off in Mossel Bay to wait for wind turned into a stomachchurning rescue operation for a Finnish couple, who in true hygge style, have made the most of their unplanned sojourn in the Cape. We chatted to them about the events that led to their yacht running aground, and how the NSRI and allied rescue services assisted them. By Wendy Maritz
It’s always interesting meeting global travellers, especially when they’re discovering the world via its oceans and seas. For Captain Veikko Hautanen and his partner Hanna-Marja Niemi, it’s been a way of life for nine years, although Veikko has been a sailor all his life. The couple are a long way from their home country Finland; they’re berthed at the Royal Cape Yacht Club’s marina in Cape Town until their yacht Canace and conditions are 100% right for
them to start the next leg of their journey to the island of St Helena.
It’s their first visit to South Africa, and they both laugh as they admit they hadn’t intended on hanging around this long. In fact, their intention was to sail around the country’s coast uninterrupted, until they reached Mossel Bay, that is.
The Indian Ocean is challenging, Hanna-Marja says, while describing their route from Maldives to Réunion, and
around Madagascar to Richards Bay. Then followed the stretch to Durban and East London, with sailing naturally dependent on favourable winds. Sometimes, they had to drop anchor and wait, which is what happened when they finally got to Mossel Bay. ‘We were told by authorities that we could remain in the water off Santos Beach and secure Canace to a mooring buoy, which we did. We stayed there for two days because there was no wind, and on the morning of the third day, Wednesday 22 January, was when it all happened.’ The line securing Canace to the buoy broke, and she began drifting to shore helped along by an onshore wind and incoming high tide. It happened very quickly, Hanna-Marja says. ‘We thought we could run the engine and manage this, but it was too late. We were stuck.’
Hanna-Marja called Port Authorities to inform them of their situation. Canace, a 12m steel ketch, was now firmly aground, being battered by rough surf, causing her to list dramatically from one side to the other. Hanna-Marja and Veikko, at risk of being thrown around the cabin, simply secured themselves as best they could with ropes until help arrived. ‘We weren’t getting hurt,’ she says, adding that they realised it would take time for rescue services to get there.
After the call came in, NSRI Mossel Bay launched Spirit of Safmarine III and despatched rescue swimmers in the station’s vehicle to respond from the shore. A number of other rescue services were also mobilised, including Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue, SAPS, Police Sea Borderline Control, The Skippers Foundation of Mossel
Bay, and the TNPA’s tug, Arctic Tern, was placed on alert by Mossel Bay Port Control.
Hanna-Marja and Veikko knew they could relax when they saw two rescue crew had boarded Canace. ‘I don’t know where they came from, but suddenly they were there,’ Hanna-Marja laughs. ‘And they told us to stay put.’ The two rescue swimmers remained on the yacht with the couple for the duration of the rescue.
Luckily Hanna-Marja and Veikko are seasoned sailors, and didn’t succumb to seasickness or suffer any injuries. In fact, Hanna-Marja says they both felt quite
World travellers Hanna-Marja Niemi and Captain Veikko Hautanen
safe. ‘We were stuck in soft sand and our boat is made of steel, so it was just a matter of waiting it out. We understood that the rescuers were timing the tow with the tide, and also that if they didn’t get it right, we probably would have to wait another eight hours for the next high tide to get the boat off the beach.’
While they were holed up inside the cabin, rescue efforts were indeed underway. Crew from The Skippers Foundation of Mossel Bay’s inflatable boat assisted by transferring a towline from Spirit of Safmarine III to Canace where NSRI rescue swimmers secured the line, with Veikko’s permission.
Using the sea swells of the outgoing tide, Spirit of Safmarine III was able to pull and turn Canace, which was initially positioned side-on (abeam) on the beach, so her bow was now pointing out to sea. But, attempts to pull her off the sand were unsuccessful. ‘Our vessel just did not have
Using
the sea swells of the outgoing tide, Spirit of Safmarine III was able to pull and turn Canace, which was initially positioned side-on (abeam) on the beach, so her bow was pointing out to sea.
sufficient engine power to move the yacht from the beach to deeper water,’ NSRI duty coxswain Andre Fraser explains.
The towline was transferred to TNPA’s harbour tug Arctic Tern, which was able to tow Canace out to deeper water, where her anchor was recovered manually. Arctic Tern then towed her into Mossel Bay Harbour where she was moored safely at the Vincent Jetty. Canace had run aground at 8h05, and by 11h15, she was safe and sound.
‘We were lucky that Canace suffered no structural damage. The sand was soft, and she is made of steel. We were very
Canace‘s mooring line broke, and within minutes she was heading for shore due to wind. Spirit of Safmarine III was able to pull and turn her in the right direction.
relieved, and very grateful to everybody who helped us that morning,’ HannaMarja says. Interestingly, after travelling as extensively as they have, this was the very first time the couple had ever experienced running aground. ‘But these things happen,’ Hanna-Marja says. They were able to power under sail to Cape Town, where they moored at the Royal Cape Yacht Club, enjoying the club’s hospitality, as well as being tourists for a few weeks, while minor repairs were done and insurance admin sorted out.
For NSRI Mossel Bay’s part, they acknowledge that collaboration between
The couple made the most of their Cape Town stay, while Canace was inspected and repaired at the Royal Cape Yacht Club.
various agencies is vital to successful outcomes with complex operations like these. Getting a grounded yacht off the beach depends on so many variables, not least of which is the weather and tides, as well as yacht length and weight, whether the vessel is damaged and how many people are on board. Crew safety will always be top of mind. ‘Risk is ever present in a rescue situation like this. The vessel moving and possibly injuring crew, vessels working in the surf line, ropes parting, or ropes getting caught in props are all hazards,’ says Mossel Bay’s Station Commander JC Roos. He is grateful for the assistance of Artic Tern as well as the presence of The Skippers Foundation of Mossel Bay. ‘They specialise in sailing. They have sailors with superb experience and skills relating specifically to sailing vessels, and hence their knowledge of these types of vessels is a welcome skill set in operations like these,’ he adds.
Canace’s successful refloating was a group effort that the Finnish couple will remember forever. ‘There is a first time for everything,’ Hanna-Marja says. And it’s good to know their first visit to South African soil wasn’t marred by the event; rather, it gave them the chance to see a world class rescue service at work, and spend time enjoying the Mother City before taking to the sea again.
ONE IN A POD –AN IMPOSSIBLE RESCUE
A whale of a challenge recently demanded all the resources and skills of Station 8. By
Cherelle Leong
In recent years, Cape Town has been spoilt with sightings of humpback whale super pods migrating down the Atlantic coastline. Ranging in numbers from 50 to a thousand individuals, it’s simply incredible to see these majestic giants breaching, slapping their tails and feeding offshore.
On Tuesday, 7 January, licensed whalewatching vessel Cawsaw was on an expedition when they identified a humpback whale with a rope wrapped around the body and a knotted clump of rope off to the side. The whale was in a super pod of more than a hundred whales, located between Llandudno and Maori Bay.
The call came into the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in the early afternoon, and Hout Bay NSRI was activated to respond. After loading up the
The casualty whale proved elusive, and Hout Bay crew spent a great deal of time trying to locate it and position themselves in such a way as to assist it.
specialised whale disentanglement kit, Albie Matthews was launched to locate and attempt to disentangle the whale. It may sound like a relatively simple task. Locate the whale, attach a kegging buoy to the entanglement, then use the long, specialised knives to cut the rope free. Except you’re dealing with a mammal more than twice the length and 11 times the weight of the rescue vessel, one that can dive to depths in one moment and breach the surface in the next. Plus, it’s not swimming alone. It’s in the middle of a pod of a hundred other whales, all feeding, tail-slapping and breaching.
Cawsaw had remained on scene to guide the Albie Matthews crew to the location of the whale. But even then,
between it diving down and feeding, and because it was constantly surrounded by so many other whales, keeping it in sight was challenging.
Shortly after Cawsaw left the scene, the whale once again dived under. It took two hours of searching, together with the Bakoven volunteers onboard Gemini Legend, between the main super pod and the other smaller pods of whales, before it was finally located. Getting close to it was another story altogether. The process of attaching a kegging buoy requires manoeuvring close enough to throw a grappling hook that hopefully snags one of the entangled lines.
The problem was that every time the rescue vessel manoeuvred close enough,
two or three other whales would come between the boat and the entangled whale. This not only made it dangerous but also extremely difficult to manoeuvre. There was also the risk of snagging or entangling one of the other whales with the rope or grappling hook.
The crew were initially successful in attaching a line to the entanglement, but the whale dived, dragging the kegging buoy with it. The rope that made up the entanglement was old and worn, and with the extra pressure, a strip of it tore free, releasing the kegging buoy and line back up to the surface. The crew recovered it, but the entangled whale was nowhere to be seen, and the search started again.
Gemini Legend had to leave the scene to respond to a call off Clifton. Albie
Matthews repeatedly moved between the pods of whales trying to locate the entangled one. Every now and then they’d get a glimpse of it coming to the surface, but whenever they tried to get closer, it would either dive down or be buffered by other whales swimming interference.
Station 8 crew continued to try track the whale until just before sunset, when it was determined there was no longer enough light to carry out a successful operation even if they could find the whale again.
On Thursday, 9 January, Cawsaw spotted the same entangled whale off Kommetjie. Albie Matthews was launched, with Renier Combrinck at the helm once again. They located the super pod approximately 3 nautical miles off Slangkop lighthouse, but the sea conditions were not ideal. A choppy sea with 1-2m swells made it extremely difficult to try locate the entangled whale.
The afternoon was spent searching, getting a possible sighting, trying to manoeuvre close to it, and avoiding other
whales clustered around it – only to watch it dive down and disappear, and have to start the search all over again.
The crew stayed out until sunset once again before returning to base, but they didn’t come close to being able to cut the lines free from the entangled whale. This, however, would not be the end of the story.
The following Monday, 13 January, Cawsaw again sighted the entangled whale. The super pod had split into three smaller groups that were feeding between Llandudno and Maori Bay. Drone footage showed that the rope had shifted back, trailing on the dorsal fin with the knotted section sitting higher up on the whale’s back. It’s thought when the kegging buoy was snagged it may have loosened the entanglement a little. This was good news.
Station 8 launched Nadine Gordimer as well as Albie Matthews. Crew of the former plotted the search area as the latter tried to get closer to the whale. The whale pod was incredibly active, tails slapping, diving and breaching. It was both awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking for the rescue crews to be surrounded by so many humpback whales. Everyone was on the lookout constantly, not just for the entangled whale, but also for the very real risk of a 15 plus-tonne body rising up out of the ocean without warning.
Despite searching for more than two hours, there were no further sightings. Eventually, by 5.30pm, when the breaching became so intense and crew safety was a concern, it was decided to abandon the attempt to free the whale. It was still in good health, feeding and swimming freely, and probably wondering what these weird red and yellow boats were doing interrupting the pod at play.
UPDATE! On 26 February, we received word that Cawsaw positively identified the whale and saw it was free of any ropes.
The super pod seemed to go about its business, and the crew were relieved to see that the entangled whale was able to swim quite comfortably.
SAVED BY GOOD SAMARITANS
Cherelle Leong reminds us that there are a few must-do’s before attempting to rescue anyone in trouble in the water, most importantly alerting rescue services and taking flotation with you.
It’s human instinct for most of us to react when we see someone in trouble in the ocean, even if it isn’t someone you know. There’s the knowledge that every second counts, that in a matter of minutes the person could be swept out to sea in a rip current and never be seen again. That’s not something you want on your conscience.
Now, when it’s a family member, the situation is amplified: you don’t even think, you just act. ‘That’s my child, I must save her!’ You rush into the water, one thing on your mind. Yet before you know it, you’re in trouble too… being swept out to sea, unable to help yourself, never mind the child you went in to help.
NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoy initiative was started in 2017 after a heart-wrenching tale just like this – of a father who went into the sea to save his daughter. In the process, they both ended up in trouble. The difference was that she survived, but sadly he didn’t, and it absolutely devastated the family. The question was asked: would there have been a different outcome if he’d had a flotation device?
Almost every week NSRI press releases contain stories of people getting rescued from rip currents while swimming on the South African coastline. The one silver lining to these harrowing tales is the knowledge that the Pink Rescue Buoy initiative has had an overwhelmingly positive impact.
At the time of publication, 216 lives had been saved by people grabbing Pink Rescue
Buoys before they headed out to assist those in trouble. Having a flotation device makes all the difference. Our volunteer crew are quick to respond, launching boats and rescue resources as soon as they get the call. But it’s the fast-thinking actions of Good Samaritans that fill the gap and help keep people alive until rescue crews arrive on scene.
This was the case for a family on holiday in Stilbaai, where a final beach day before heading home almost ended in tragedy. It was thanks to the quick thinking of local surfers that it was averted. It’s a sobering account of how a mother, Retha Oosthuizen, nearly lost her own life when attempting
So exhausted by having waves crash over her, Retha’s body had no fight left to try to stay afloat. To make things worse, she just kept falling asleep!
to save her teenage daughter from strong rip currents. It’s a prime example of how the best of intentions can go horribly wrong.
In an emotional interview, Retha recalls how, within a matter of minutes after entering the water, ‘she just couldn’t anymore’. So exhausted by having waves crash over her, her body had no fight left to try to stay afloat. To make things worse, she just kept falling asleep! Even her husband, who had reached her and was trying to keep her afloat, was struggling, because he was battling the same elements and was also fatigued.
The Oosthuizen family, from left: Adriaan, Abigail (14), Retha, seven-month-old baby AJ and Lienka (15).
If it hadn’t been for Retha’s daughter, who was huddled nearby with a group of surfers (who’d also paddled out to help), it could have been a tragic outcome. This was the daughter who she’d gone into the sea to save – now the daughter was doing the saving, along with the surfers who had originally assisted her.
The daughter recognised her mother’s voice when she heard the cry for help. Breaking away from the group of surfers, she paddled towards her mother on her boogie board. The surfers followed, and it took the effort of five people to try to get Retha on top of a surfboard, keep her afloat, and keep her head out of the water until NSRI volunteers onboard the Still Bay rescue boat Breede Rescuer could get to them.
Retha kept slipping in and out of consciousness. As much as she tried, she couldn’t do anything to help her rescuers. She was a dead weight in the water. If the group hadn’t had surfboards and the daughter’s boogie board to assist them, keeping Retha’s head above water long enough for rescue crew to get to them would likely not have been possible.
It’s easy to underestimate the power of the ocean. There don’t need to be massive waves and freezing ocean currents for the water to sap a person’s strength. People have got into trouble in just knee-depth water. Even the strongest swimmers can attest that they’re no match for the ever-changing tides and relentless pull of the ocean currents. (Read Andrew
NSRI Stilbaai crew arrive on scene to assist the members of the Oosthuizen family being kept afloat by surfers who were in the area and paddled out to assist.
Ingram’s story, ‘She saved my life’, on page 24, a sobering reminder that even seasoned swimmers get into difficulty.)
THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOTATION
A key element that makes all the difference is a flotation device. If you have something to hold on to, to keep you and another person above water, everyone’s chances of survival increase. It could be a Pink Rescue Buoy, it could be a surfboard, a kayak or a boogie board. Anything that floats is better than nothing, and this is the most important thing to remember if you ever find yourself wanting to respond to a situation as a Good Samaritan.
In most of the drownings-in-progress that the NSRI responds to, it’s Good
It’s easy to underestimate the power of the ocean. There don’t need to be massive waves and freezing ocean currents for the water to sap a person’s strength.
Samaritans who are the first on-scene rescuers: surfers who see an incident unfolding, a local walking on the beach who grabs a boogie board and enters the water, or a kayaker or fisherman who just happens to be in the area. The actions of these brave people save lives; they’re heroes in every sense.
The difference, however, between a successful rescue and becoming a casualty themselves is two vital split-second decisions. This is what they do differently: Firstly, before they enter the water, they call for help, getting others to activate rescue resources. A rescue scenario always has unknowns and having back-up
is vital to a successful outcome. Secondly, and most importantly, they don’t enter the water without a flotation device. Safety first. Always. Flotation is a must.
Being able to rest, and having something to hold onto so that you don’t have to work to stay afloat, aids significantly in everyone’s chances of survival.
The minutes it takes to activate rescue resources can feel like hours when you’re floating in an open ocean, getting pulled further out from the shore. Most of the time when rescuers reach a casualty, they’re exhausted. Being able to rest, and having something to hold onto so that you don’t have to work to stay afloat, aids significantly in everyone’s chances of survival.
Being a Good Samaritan isn’t something people consciously do. They find themselves in a situation and simply feel the urge to help. This is admirable. Many more lives would have been lost if people hadn’t taken the initiative.
If you ever find yourself in this situation as the first person on scene, or the person most able to respond, don’t try to go it alone – even if you’re confident of your swimming abilities and know the area
well. And especially if it’s a family member in trouble. Before you act, stop for a second and make those vital decisions that can save lives. Call for help, activate additional rescue resources and find a flotation device to take with you into the water. Save a life, but also save yours, and ensure that your Good Samaritan story also has a good ending.
Lifeguard Channah van Coller on duty at Wilderness main beach.
Nam ius elendeb itatuscim quam faccabo. Cab iur? Quis exces magnam, quam, soluptae adipien
‘SHE SAVED MY LIFE’
After being pulled out to sea by a powerful rip current at Wilderness, Darren Sutton was too tired to help himself. He acknowledges that if the on-duty lifeguards were not there that day, he would not have made it. Andrew Ingram tells the story.
It was a perfect Garden Route morning when Darren Sutton, 59, and his wife, Linda Barrett, walked out of their guest house onto the beach. A few hundred metres away, George’s NSRI municipal lifeguards were setting up for the day under a deep, African-blue sky.
There was no wind, and although the surf was big, as it often is in Wilderness, Darren, a strong swimmer, wasn’t too concerned.
Darren and Linda, from Northumberland, UK, were nearing the end of their three-week South African holiday. They loved the beaches and enjoyed swimming in the warm East Coast waters.
‘The sea is always a big part of our vacations. We swim together as often as possible,’ says Darren. ‘We’d swum previously at Camps Bay, and I had a short but challenging swim at Wilderness Beach the day before.’
On Friday, 17 January 2025, Darren swam alone while Linda walked along the beach, keeping an eye on him.
‘I often start with 10 to 12 strokes out to sea,’ Darren explains. ‘I stopped, touched the bottom, then swam another six to eight strokes through a large wave. I could still stand.’
Deciding to swim parallel to the beach, he took another 10 to 12 strokes. ’Suddenly, I realised I was about 30 metres out and couldn’t touch the bottom.’
In an attempt to swim back to shore, Darren tried swimming hard five or six times but made no progress. He was caught in a powerful rip current.
‘I worked as hard as I could, taking 20 to 30 strokes multiple times, but I was now over 100 metres out, surrounded by huge swells.’
Linda quickly saw he was in trouble. She was familiar with his swimming style, and knew he needed help despite giving no distress signals.
She rushed to the lifeguard tower and explained the situation to lifeguards Channah van Coller and Josh Scholtz who were on duty at Wilderness’s main beach that day.
Channah grabbed her fins and Torpedo Buoy. Sprinting to the water, she assessed the rips, choosing the best entry point to reach Darren swiftly.
‘I felt totally helpless,’ Darren admits. ’Waves hit me from all directions. My focus was to stay afloat, keep calm and conserve energy.’
Just as fear set in, Channah appeared from beneath a huge wave. ’Grab hold of this and hold tight,’ she instructed, handing him the red NSRI Torpedo Buoy.
Linda watched as Channah swam with Darren holding onto the buoy and kicking,
Linda watched as Channah swam hard with Darren holding onto the buoy and kicking, but their progress was painfully slow. She went back to the lifeguard tower and asked Josh for help, explaining that Darren was 196cm tall and about 100kg – a very big man.
but their progress was slow. She went back to the lifeguard tower and asked Josh for help, explaining that Darren was 196cm tall and about 100kg – a very big man. Although Channah hadn’t signalled for help, Josh grabbed his fins and buoy and entered the water. When Josh reached
them, he told Darren to hold onto both buoys so they could both pull and swim him out of the rip and back to shore.
‘We made some progress but were still getting hit by big waves,’ Darren recalls. ’Then Channah insisted I let go of Josh’s buoy, hold hers with both hands, lie on my back, and kick hard. She spoke with confidence and authority, and I trusted her judgement.’
After an exhausting 20-minute effort, they finally reached the shallows. Darren had been in the water, fighting the rip, for about 45 minutes when he stood up on wobbly legs and walked to his wife.
’In short, Channah stepped up that morning and did her extremely difficult job outstandingly well,’ Darren says. ’We are eternally grateful. She saved my life.’
Channah has been awarded the NSRI’s Chief Executive Officer’s Letter of Thanks for her rescue of Darren.
Scan the QR code and watch Darren, Linda and Channah recount the events of his rescue:
Darren Sutton and his wife, Linda Barrett.
Plett crew doing scenario training on their 4.5m JetRIB Eric Stratford.
ALL IN A DAY
Incidents don’t always occur singly; sometimes multiple simultaneous rescues are required. Here’s how the busy crews cope. By Cherelle Leong
The Garden Route is a favourite holiday destination for both locals and visitors from abroad. This makes for an extended and sometimes very busy summer season for a few of our rescue bases. It’s not uncommon to receive multiple callouts in a day, from a capsized boat or hikers injured on a coastal trail to people caught in rip currents. It takes skill, organisation and experience to manage multiple rescue resources and ensure successful outcomes.
We chatted to Station Commanders Jaco Kruger from Station 14 Plettenberg Bay and Jonathan Britton from Station 23 Wilderness about how they prepare and plan for managing multiple rescue incidents. These two stations have a lot
in common. They operate on a single crew without rotations. This is because they have a relatively small crew complement. But what they lack in numbers they make up for in depth of experience, dedication, skill and area knowledge.
Station 23 Wilderness has 36 crew members which include seven shorebased and 29 sea-going crew including 6 trainees. Within that are a total of 13 coxswains and two trainee coxswains. Jonathan jokes that it’s not unlike the Springbok bomb squad. If one coxswain is involved in a rescue and a second call comes through, the station has sufficient qualified and experienced coxswains to be able to respond without withdrawing any rescue resources from the first operation.
There’s no skills gap, because the focus in training is on equipping all crew and coxswains to be able to respond to different rescue scenarios.
Station 14 Plettenberg Bay’s set up is very similar. With the majority of the crew over the age of 25, their collective experience is extensive. Plett also operates with one crew and the duty phone is rotated among the senior coxswains. Any one of them is capable of being an on-scene-commander and overseeing a rescue operation. When a call comes through, crew indicate their availability, and roles and tasks are assigned accordingly.
As a surf station, Plettenberg Bay operates four rescue vessels: a 7,8m RIB, a 5,5m RIB, a JetRIB and a jetski. The senior coxswains individually have
Sea-based land rescues are common for NSRI Plettenberg Bay. Being prepared for these complex scenarios is vital.
With such high standards, it’s important to keep crew morale up. This is achieved through spending time together, getting to know the crew and working with them to develop their strengths
10 to 15 years’ experience. Starting out, the coxswain journey takes four years before crew can qualify as trainee Class 4 coxswains.
With such high standards, it’s important to keep crew morale up. This is achieved through spending time together, getting to know the crew and working with them to develop their strengths. Wednesdays are
training days where the focus is on quality training, learning specific skills and working through rescue scenarios. Jaco knows it’s important to balance the workload, recognising that everyone is a volunteer and has a life outside of Sea Rescue. This makes a big difference in alleviating crew burnout and keeping station enthusiasm high.
Both Jonathan and Jaco agree that building relationships is the key to managing multiple incident rescues, especially in a small station. Station 23 and 14 work closely with flanking Station 12 Knysna and local lifeguards. There’s also a close working relationship with local ambulance services, Metro Search and Rescue, Disaster Management, and Fire and Rescue. Joint training sessions are set up so that when a rescue operation unfolds, the crew are familiar with one another and the chain of command, and can execute operations leveraging everyone’s expertise.
The local communities also get involved. Based on historic operations data, Wilderness recognised that their beach season actually starts earlier than December when the lifeguard duty season starts. This is because of the uptick in international visitors who prefer to travel outside of peak
Above and right: Wilderness crew stay fit and prepared for multiple callouts through physical fitness and scenario training.
season, as well as the paragliding season that makes use of the good weather. A community fundraiser was organised, getting local businesses involved in sponsoring additional lifeguards so that the beaches could be manned from the start of November. This proactive initiative was very successful and resulted in a number of successful rescues during that time.
Station 14 Plettenberg Bay also recently had a successful rescue in Nature’s Valley, primarily due to the close working relationship they have developed with other regional services. Three locals had gone for a swim and were caught in rip currents. Seeing that they were in difficulty, two bystanders went in to assist. When the call came through there were five people in the water needing assistance.
It was late in the afternoon, after the lifeguards had already ended their shift. Jaco happened to be in Nature’s Valley at
the time, knew the lifeguards and was able to activate them as well as the coastwatchers (who brought medical equipment with them) while getting Station 14 crew to launch the boats. Ambulance services were also activated. All five people were successfully rescued from the water, two with non-fatal drowning symptoms. The Station 14 boats arrived with a paramedic and doctor on board – and a good thing too, because one of the casualties went into cardiac arrest in the ambulance.
Thankfully the casualty was revived and has since made a full recovery.
Station 23’s approach to managing multiple rescue incidents is rooted in critical thinking – analysing risks, leveraging partnerships, and proactively preparing for likely scenarios. Debriefing following an operation is detailed, with the focus on learning what could be improved upon. By continuously assessing operations, engaging with key stakeholders, and implementing targeted risk mitigation measures, the station ensures it’s ready for complex, simultaneous rescues. This integrated approach, combined with depth of skill and strong inter-agency collaboration, is Station 23’s strength. It enables the crew to respond effectively under pressure and maintain a high standard of operational excellence.
As is a common theme in Sea Rescue, it’s the investment in people that make successful rescues possible. Even when the phone doesn’t stop pinging with rescue call-outs, and the crew has been going non-stop all weekend, there’ll still be someone willing to step up, who is skilled and experienced enough to ensure that everyone is brought back safely.
MEET MTHE KWEYAMA
For NSRI Lifeguard Operations
Manager Mthe Kweyama, the ‘Creating futures’ part of NSRI’s slogan, ‘Saving lives, changing lives, creating futures’ is especially significant. Yes, the organisation saves lives, but it also empowers people on the ground to become part of its life-saving family and grow their potential. He tells us more about his journey and joining the NSRI team. By Wendy
Maritz
It’s mid-January ’25, and Mthe Kweyama is wrapping up a busy season along the Cape West Coast. His reports are due at the Saldanha Bay Municipality, and some travelling between Velddrif and Cape Town is required to return equipment. But he recognises the importance of each aspect of his job, not least of which is the admin because having stakeholders in any venture is vital. Without them, nothing will get – or stay – off the ground, and keeping them apprised of the successes and challenges of the season is essential. That along with any suggestions for improving the lifeguarding service in the area (which his contact at the Saldanha Bay Municipality has asked for specifically).
Mthe (36) was born in Mariannhill in Durban, and grew up in Umgababa; the Msimbazi River was close to his home, and the beach ‘ just a five-minute walk away’. ‘We grew up looking after cows,’ Mthe says, ‘and when we crossed the river, we’d hold onto the ropes around their necks, or onto their tails. Somehow from that, we just learnt how to swim,’ he recalls. It wasn’t long before the children were noticed by swimming instructor Bhekisisa Nhlumayo,
who wanted to start a swimming club in the area. After sourcing a municipal pool that could accommodate the children, Mthe recalls how eagerly he and his friends ‘raced home from school’, washed their clothes, and then ran to the train station to catch the train to Amanzimtoti. ‘Then we’d run about 1km to the pool so we could get an hour’s swimming in before it closed. Then we’d run back to the station before the last train left…’
The Asesabi Aquatics Club as it was known was introduced to lifesaving by qualified lifeguard Alfa Siphuma who was ex-army. ‘He arranged for us to train at the Kirradene Protea Hotel pool, which was 20m long and nice and deep.’ Alfa then introduced the children to the Ethekwini Parks, Recreations and Culture’s superintendent for beaches, Risky Gumede, who shifted their focus to ocean lifesaving. ‘This was serious business,’ Mthe smiles. ‘We started training in August 2003
and I qualified as a junior lifeguard with Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) in December that year.’ He was 14 years old.
‘From there we formed the Umgababa Surf Lifesaving Club and volunteered our services. The municipality supported the club with some financial aid and performed inspections. Two years later, in June 2005, I got my senior qualification.’
Mthe matriculated in 2006, and a year later at age 18 became a lifeguard for the Ethekwini Municipality. In the years that followed he worked as a pool lifeguard, pro-lifeguard and fulltime pool supervisor. He later joined the municipality in an acting coordinator position for Durban beaches. But it wasn’t all about the water for Mthe. He obtained qualifications in psychology and coaching science and will add criminology to that list later this year. At one stage he felt he might set up a practice as a counselling psychologist, but perhaps that is something he can look at in the future, he says. His coaching science qualification was put to good use when he became a fitness trainer for Ethekwini Fire and Emergency Services, a commitment that saw him take on the training of 800 firefighters at 22 fire stations. Adapting to their shifts meant long days and plenty of travelling, but if this tells us anything about Mthe, aside from his dedication, it’s that he is experienced at both overseeing and being on the
ground, essential qualities for an operations management position in lifeguarding at the NSRI. It was such a good fit, his friends and family could see him in the role before he did. He applied for and got the job, starting in September 2023, more or less hitting the ground running. (Some restructuring within the NSRI meant that Mthe’s work would be based in the Western Cape, which means time away from his wife and two children, a son aged 12 and daughter of 10, who are based in KwaZulu-Natal. But they’re making it work without having to relocate.)
It’s been a busy year and a half since he started, and Mthe acknowledges Graeme Harding’s role in making him feel at home. The off-season holiday-wise is the ‘on-season’ for lifeguard training, the time for meeting with stakeholders in preparation for the next season, compiling reports and analysing data, and a time when vulnerable areas are identified, and plans are made to make them safer.
Mthe quickly recognised the culture of interconnectedness at the NSRI. ‘I worked with the Drowning Prevention Coordinator for KZN in October last year recruiting and training lifeguards in Durban. Two of those candidates were already drowning pre-
vention instructors. People in the NSRI are willing to immerse themselves in different aspects of drowning prevention.’
It’s infectious it seems. For his part, Mthe has participated in two swift-water training courses and joined Station 39 (Rocky Bay) as a trainee.
With his experience at Ethekwini Metro, he has also brought valuable insights to the table. He is unafraid to explore different ways of doing things, adapting to existing protocols where structures are already in place. It’s about working together and not taking over, especially in areas of KZN where the NSRI is not as well-known as other organisations might be.
‘We go to areas, bring our expertise, identify talent, train people, see their potential, promote them, and so the cycle goes. I really want to develop the youth,’ Mthe says, adding that one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing their faces on payday. ‘Then they’re empowered to do things, either for their families or themselves. That’s creating futures.’
Humble, knowledgeable, insightful, committed and open are just some of the attributes Mthe Kweyama possesses. I would certainly want him at my table.
NEWS & SPONSOR NEWS
NEWS FROM THE NSRI’S WATER SAFETY TEAM
We caught up with NSRI’s Community Programmes team and are happy to report that their drowning prevention initiatives are thriving, thanks to the dedicated work of its Water Safety and Survival Swimming instructors, and the coordinators and managers behind the scenes at the Volunteer Support Centre in Cape Town.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION IN THE WESTERN AND NORTHERN CAPE
Despite having to overcome a few challenges, Community Programmes initiatives in these two regions have been expanded with new stakeholders and partners onboard to bolster the reach and effectiveness of Water Safety messages:
● Our collaboration with the Department of Agriculture has enhanced our accessibility and expanded our reach, allowing us to concentrate our efforts on small farming schools, recognised as high-risk areas for drowning incidents.
● Eoudia Erasmus, one of our instructors in the Cape Winelands, is working with a highly regarded local police diver, and together their presentations are making a great impact on the communities they are visiting.
● There has also been an increase in the number of Survival Swimming volunteers and we’ve added new seasonal locations to conduct lessons. Despite Sea Point Pavilion and Muizenberg being inaccessible for a period due to various maintenance issues, the seasoned instructors from these two pools worked hard to find alternative locations, such as River Hamlet and various tidal pools, to continue offering lessons to the public.
STATS SINCE INCEPTION
Water Safety Education (learners): 2006 – 2024: 5 580 399
Survival Swimming (lessons): 2019 – 2024: 59 949
OTHER INITIATIVES
CAVILLE TAKES TO THE STAGE
In October last year, Caville Abrahams presented a TED Talk entitled ‘Creating a Water Safe Nation through Drowning Prevention programmes’ in George. This platform emphasised the critical importance of water safety and provided valuable insights into effective drowning prevention initiatives, significantly enhancing public awareness.
● Our Kids in Parks programme in collaboration with SANParks kept our instructors busy. They visited eight schools over a five-week period to teach Water Safety and Survival Swimming lessons.
● A collaboration with team-building and adventure company High Africa Adventures resulted in the implementation of Survival Swimming training sessions. Conversations focused on the potential to incorporate Water Safety programmes into their initiatives, aiming to broaden their outreach and increase their impact.
● Survival Swimming pop-up events were organised in Saldanha Bay, Saron, and Ceres, engaging over 22 local schools.
REMEMBERING LUNGI
It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic loss of our dear colleague, Mlungisi Ndamase, affectionately known as Lungi. On 13 December 2024, Lungi, a dedicated Water Safety instructor based in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape, passed away. He began his journey with the NSRI on 1 February 2020 as a Water Safety instructor and later advanced to the role of Drowning Prevention instructor, where he oversaw the Survival Swimming Centre in Tombo, Eastern Cape.
munity and his colleagues in the department. He will be profoundly missed as both a friend and a colleague. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Lungi was deeply loved by his com-
We’ll have more Community Programmes news in Issue 62 of NSRI Magazine, when we’ll update you on events and initiatives in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and inland provinces. Information supplied by Nazreen Adams, Community Programmes National Projects Coordinator.
SIMONÉ BANTAM, OUR MASTER OF MULTI-TASKING
There is currently no instructor based in the Northern Cape; however, Simoné Bantam, our Water Safety instructor based in Doringbaai, Western Cape, travels to the Northern Cape once a month to visit schools. We have a new location and volunteers at Augrabies Falls, and from 11 to 14 November 2024, outreach and training sessions were conducted in the Kakamas and Augrabies regions, reaching eight schools and teaching 2 216 learners about water safety.
WORKING HAND IN HAND
Anton Bredell, the Western Cape’s Minister of Local Government and Environmental Affairs, presented NSRI CEO Mike Vonk with a cheque for R391 000 at a ceremony at the Stellenbosch Flying Club in early December 2024.
In his speech, Minister Bredell thanked NSRI volunteers for risking their lives to save lives. ‘The NSRI commitment helps us with an integrated response to water emergencies. The skills of people like the NSRI volunteers help us to keep the Western Cape safe,’ he said.
NSRI CEO Mike Vonk thanked the Western Cape Disaster Risk Management team for their continued support of the NSRI. This
donation will fund a new JetRIB inshore rescue craft for NSRI’s Station 34 at Yzerfontein. The craft will be named Janine after the Western Cape’s Disaster Risk Management’s Deputy Director of Mitigation, Janine Winder.
ORC PROJECT NEAR COMPLETION
It has been nearly a decade since the decision was made to replace the NSRI’s ageing large-vessel fleet with the builtfor-purpose ORC or Offshore Rescue Craft. This year the final hulls enter production, with hull 7 the latest to come out of the mould at Two Oceans Marine in Cape Town, and production of hull 8 earmarked to start shortly. Hulls 7 and 8 are destined for Stations 4 (Mykonos) and 8 (Hout Bay), with extensive renovations currently underway at Station 4 to accommodate her. It’s expected that hull 8 will be completed by March 2026 at the latest, bringing to a conclusion the NSRI’s most ambitious project.
ANNUAL STILBAAI NSRI RUN
Stilbaai’s annual fundraising run took place on 31 December 2024, with participants choosing to take on 6 or 10km. R140 855 was raised, and we extend grateful thanks to everyone who took part, volunteered and otherwise supported the event. Thank you to:
● MISA (Motor Industry Staff Association) for the water bottles, caps, prize money, and route marking
● Chas Everitt for sponsoring the medals
● Steyn’s Mica and OK Foods Stilbaai for sponsoring prizes
● Harcourts, Amana Stilbaai and Kiewiet Properties for sponsoring water points.
OCEANA GOLF DAY IN SUPPORT OF THE NSRI
On 12 December 2024, Milnerton Golf Club hosted the inaugural Oceana Golf Day, a day of sport, camaraderie, and generosity in support of the NSRI. While primarily catering to the marine industry and affiliates, golf enthusiasts from all backgrounds participated in the event. After days of heat in Cape Town, a welcomed drizzle welcomed players. As the sun emerged, stunning views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Table Bay were revealed.
Following a day on the greens, participants enjoyed a delicious dinner, prizegiving and auction. The day raised an impressive R235 000 for the NSRI, thanks to the generous support of sponsors who contributed prizes and auction items. Their involvement played a crucial role in making the event a success and added excitement for participants.
The Oceana Golf Day was more than just a golf event; it celebrated community, sport and the NSRI’s life-saving work. With such a strong start, anticipation is already building for the 2025 event, promising another fantastic day in support of this important cause.
NSRI STRANDFONTEIN JETRIB NAMED IN HONOUR OF A ROTARY STALWART
On Sunday, 23 February, NSRI Strandfontein (Station 16) was abuzz with excitement for a very special boat blessing. NSRI supporters, crew members and Rotarians gathered for the blessing of the newest addition to the rescue base’s fleet: a JetRIB whose acquisition was made possible by two years of dedicated fundraising through the Rotary Wine Auction. This highly anticipated event was attended by a passionate group of individuals who have played an instrumental role in supporting the NSRI’s life-saving efforts through the wine auction. The atmosphere at NSRI Strandfontein was one of celebra-
PLATINUM PARTNERS
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
tion and gratitude as the vessel was officially named Rotarian Wares, a fitting tribute to Doug Wares, a long-standing Rotarian and a driving force behind the auction since 2003. ‘It’s an honour to be recognised by the NSRI, an organisation that saves lives and uplifts communities, which aligns with the ideals of the Rotary Clubs of Table Bay and Newlands,’ Doug said
The Rotary Wine Auction boasts a remarkable legacy and 2025 marks the 27th edition of the event which continues to grow in prestige and impact. Planning for 2025 is in full swing – keep an eye out for the official date announcement.
GOLD PARTNERS
A&M Logistics (Pty) Ltd / Applied Mineral Technologies (Pty) Ltd / Barpro Storage SA (Pty) Ltd / Life Health Solutions / Marine Solutions (Pty) Ltd / NCS Resins / Richards Bay Coal Terminal (Pty) Ltd / Ruwekus Fishing (Pty) Ltd / Two Oceans Aquarium Trust
THANK YOU FOR DONATIONS RECEIVED IN MEMORY OF: Edmund Power, David James Moodley, Kevin Richardson TO HONOUR: George Amos (birthday), Ian Lomberg (80th birthday), Egon Moslein (100th birthday)
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY TO RAISE FUNDS
NSRI Oyster Bay’s Mandjie Dans is a highlight for the coastal town of Oyster Bay, where the NSRI plays a role beyond water safety, often serving as first responders and community organisers. Each year, the NSRI brings the community together with the annual Mandjie Dans.
In 2024, the event, sponsored by SPAR, featured five musicians, including Afrikaans headliner Appel. The concert sold out a week in advance, with the Grassridge venue reaching its 550-capacity limit. The event saw lively dancing, an exciting auction and an unforgettable night of fun.
The Mandjie Dans is the NSRI Oyster Bay’s main fundraiser and raised R250 000 in 2024. The funds were allocated to purchase a JetRIB for neighbouring Eersterivier. Organiser Melissa van Rensburg was thrilled with the event’s success. ‘What began as a way to connect the community with the NSRI has grown beyond expectations, thanks to the support of both Oyster Bay and surroundings.’
THANKS TO THE ROYAL CAPE YACHT CLUB
The Royal Cape Yacht Club’s Sable International Twilight Series runs over a three-month period each year with all entry fees donated to the NSRI. The RCYC has run the event for several years now, raising more than R100 000 in total. R40 000 was raised for the NSRI last season and the club is hoping to match or exceed the amount this year.
Our grateful thanks to our friends in the yachting community.
Left to right: Rear Commodore of Sailing at RCYC William Crockett, NSRI Fleet and Facilities Manager Graeme Harding, and Andrew Rissik, Director of Sable International, the sponsors of the Twilight Series.
HANDSOME DEVILS
Solitary, beautiful, venomous…
Naturalist Georgina Jones uncovers fascinating facts about the lives and habitats of lionfish.
Devil firefish, or lionfish, as they are known internationally, are members of the scorpionfish family and are characterised by having red or black stripes of warning coloration and long venom-coated spines. Though they can use these spines to herd prey animals into the ‘eat it head first’ position they prefer, the spines’ function is primarily defensive. Lionfish are usually seen with their spines extended, making themselves appear bigger and,
of course, the venom coating deters many would-be predators.
Just as well, because, although lionfish have excellent control of their swim bladders and are extremely agile, their bulky bodies, defensive spines included, are not well suited to sustained fast swimming. So lionfish tend to shelter in crevices or close to a shelter such as a reef wall or large sponge during the day and are known for being nocturnal predators.
They are voracious opportunistic hunters, going after many species of small fishes, even cannibalising smaller lionfish, various crustaceans and molluscs. They are generally ambush predators, using short bursts of speed to surprise their
An adult Indian lionfish that has lost its above-eye tassels to speedy potential prey.
prey, but can also blow jets of water at their prey to disorientate it, as well as herding the prey with their spines before sucking it head-first into their large mouths.
As juveniles, lionfish in the wild have many fleshy tassels, particularly above their eyes and below their mouths. They use these appendages to lure prey closer to the lionfish’s waiting mouth. The tassels don’t grow back, so adult lionfish in the wild generally have few tassels. Being used as lures, they can be nipped off by speedy potential prey.
Lionfish are generally solitary, but come together to mate. The males will court and breed with multiple females at the same time. The females each produce two mucus-covered balls of up to 15 000 eggs per mating cycle and may produce up to two million eggs in a year. Given the
Dwarf lionfishes have gorgeously patterned pectoral fins that make them look bigger and less attractive to predators.
relative scarcity of lionfish in their native home of the Indo-Pacific, this suggests that very few baby lionfish make it to adulthood. Their prolific egg laying, however, makes them a serious problem in those areas of the ocean where they have no natural predators, particularly since lionfish are relatively long-lived. Having made it to adulthood, a mature lionfish can live from between five to 15 years. That amounts to an incredible number of eggs produced in an adult lifespan.
After the construction of the Suez Canal, lionfish extended their range from the Red Sea into the eastern Mediterranean. And in the Caribbean, animals released from home* or possibly commercial aquariums have caused major upsets to the reef ecosystems there. Their long lives, large appetites and extravagant egg production make them extremely problematic as invasive species. In one Caribbean study, a single lionfish on a single reef was shown to reduce local juvenile fish numbers by 79%.
Lionfish, in fact, are one of very few aquarium fish species that have been successful in establishing viable populations outside of their home ranges.
In the Indo-Pacific, where lionfish are a normal part of the ecosystem, they are preyed upon by a relatively wide range of predators that have adjusted to their venomous spines: moray eels, the larger rock cods and several species of sharks. In the Caribbean however, local predators
are understandably cautious of lionfishs’ combination of unwieldy venomous spines, sudden bursts of speed and blocky bodies. But they’re learning: video footage of Caribbean rock cods shows them chasing and engulfing lionfish.
In an effort to control the invasion, some programmes have tried to teach sharks to eat lionfish, while others arrange lionfish derbies, where lionfish are caught by spearfishing and then eaten: apparently, the flesh is delicious, and safe to eat once the spines are removed. There is even an attempt at producing lionfish leather in the hopes that a commercial market for lionfish products will generate enough demand to significantly reduce the invasive populations.
Back in their native ground of the tropical and sub-tropical Indo-Pacific
A clearfin lionfish, notable for its long white-edged fin rays and extended above-eye tassels.
however, lionfish quietly pursue their lives. They can be found from the shallows down to below 100m and can also tolerate low salinity so they can also be found in estuaries.
As for their venom, though it is certainly fatal to several large species of fishes, it is rarely fatal to humans. Those most affected tend to be small children, the elderly and those allergic to lionfish venom. In non-susceptible adults, lionfish venom can still cause localised pain, swelling and redness, and, depending on the species, even paralysis, necrosis and convulsions. Luckily they’re not aggressive users of their spines.
*Whilst many species of lionfish are very interesting or spectacular looking and easily kept in an aquarium, it should be kept in mind that they generally have a large mouth and also a taste for expensive food species. (From an instructional website for home aquarists)
Left: Pterois volitans, the invader of the Caribbean.
FISH TALES FISH TALES
Quiz Quiz
Lionfish are amazing creatures that look beautiful but can be deadly. Test your knowledge and see how many of the questions you can get right. Don’t peek at the answers.
1. Lionfish are known as internationally.
2. They are members of the family.
3. What colours are their stripes?
4. What is on their spines?
5. Where do they take shelter?
6. Can humans eat lionfish?
Have some fun and colour the lionfish in your favourite colours! A P D
7. What is the biggest part of a lionfish?
8. What do they have around their eyes and mouth when juveniles?
The NSRI is manned by more than 1 509 volunteers at 106 service locations including 56 rescue bases, satellite or auxiliary stations, inland dams and seasonal lifeguard units around the country.
Strandfontein (West Coast)
Lambert’s Bay
Simon’s Town
Strandfontein
NORTHERN CAPE
Port
SSC 1: Riebeek Kasteel
SSC 5: Vredendal
POP Pool 1: Grabouw
Survival Swimming Centres
SSC 1: Meiring Primary School
SSC 2: Noah Christian Academy
SSC 3: Duduzile Junior Secondary School
SSC 4: Sponsored on show in Spain
SSC 5: Steilhoogte Primary School
POP Pool 1: Portable pool at Pineview Primary School, Grabouw
› Data projectors and speakers or flatscreen TVs for training
› GoPros or similar waterproof devices to film training sessions
› Good-quality waterproof binoculars
› Prizes for golf days and fundraising events
› Towels for casualties
› Groceries such as tea, coffee, sugar and cleaning materials
GENERAL NEEDS RESCUE BASES
› Long-life energy bars
› Wet and dry vacuum cleaners
› Dehumidifiers
› Small generators
› Good-quality toolkits
› Top-up supplies for medical kits
› Waterproof pouches for cellphones
› Tea cups/coffee mugs/glasses for events
NORTHERN CAPE
43 063 698 8971 Port Nolloth
WESTERN CAPE
45 066 586 7992 Strandfontein (Matzikama)
24 060 960 3027 Lambert’s Bay
44 082 990 5966 St Helena Bay
04 082 990 5966 Mykonos
34 082 990 5974 Yzerfontein
18 082 990 5958 Melkbosstrand
03 082 990 5963 Table Bay
02 082 990 5962 Bakoven
08 082 990 5964 Hout Bay
26 082 990 5979 Kommetjie
29 082 990 5980 Air Sea Rescue
10 082 990 5965 Simon’s Town
16 082 990 6753 Strandfontein
09 072 448 8482 Gordon’s Bay
42 063 699 2765 Kleinmond
17 082 990 5967 Hermanus
30 082 990 5952 Agulhas
33 082 990 5957 Witsand
31 082 990 5978 Still Bay
15 082 990 5954 Mossel Bay
23 082 990 5955 Wilderness
12 082 990 5956 Knysna
14 082 990 5975 Plettenberg Bay
EASTERN CAPE
46 076 100 2829 Storms River
36 082 990 5968 Oyster Bay
21 082 990 5969 St Francis Bay
37 079 916 0390 Jeffreys Bay
06 082 990 0828 Gqeberha
11 082 990 5971 Port Alfred
49 087 094 9774 Mdumbi (Aux)
47 076 092 2465 Kei Mouth (Aux)
07 082 990 5972 East London
28 082 550 5430 Port St Johns
KZN
32 082 990 5951 Port Edward
20 082 990 5950 Shelly Beach
39 072 652 5158 Rocky Bay
41 063 699 2687 Ballito
05 082 990 5948 Durban
50 082 990 5948 Umhlanga
19 082 990 5949 Richards Bay
40 063 699 2722 St Lucia
MPUMALANGA
35 060 962 2620 Witbank Dam
GAUTENG
27 060 991 9301 Gauteng
NORTH WEST
25 082 990 5961 Hartbeespoort Dam
FREE STATE
22 072 903 9572 Vaal Dam
51 082 757 2206 Gariep Dam
FOR DEPOSITS AND EFTS
ABSA Heerengracht
Branch code: 506 009
Account number: 1382480607
Account holder: National Sea Rescue Institute
Swift code: ABSA-ZA-JJ
PAY ONLINE: nsri.org.za/support-us/ donate
If you choose to do an EFT, please use your telephone number as a unique reference so that we are able to acknowledge receipt, or email your proof of payment to info@searescue.org.za.
Scan this QR code or visit the link below to pay using SnapScan. https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/ STB4C055
Please use your cellphone number as base/project reference so we can acknowledge your donation.
Scan this QR code or visit the link below to pay using Zapper. https://www.zapper.com/ url/KU1oB
Please use your cellphone number as base/project reference so we can acknowledge your donation.
