Sea Rescue magazine by The Publishing Partnership

WINNER OF THE 2007 AND 2009 PICA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MAGAZINE PUBLISHING A N D J O U R N A L I S M I N T H E C AT E G O RY B U S I N E S S TO B U S I N E S S : E S S E N T I A L S E R V I C E S

WINTER 2012 R14.95 > Free to NSRI members

AT THE HELM

FOCUS ON SEA RESCUE’S COXSWAINS

PADDLE OUT FOR DAVID LILIENFELD Brother, son, friend

MASTERS OF DISGUISE

CUTTLEFISH

1THREAD_3400_NSR

Proven Reliability

You’ve got to be tough to be in the National Sea Rescue Institute. Their 920 highly skilled, unpaid volunteers are on standby day and night, throughout the year. When you’re saving lives, there’s no room for error. Honda shares this same passion for reliability. The NSRI and Honda are always there when you need them.

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE

HONDA MARINE PARKS PROGRAMME

CONTENTS 8

WINTER 2012

02 CEO’S LETTER AND READERS’ COMMENTS

TRAGEDY ON THE VAAL

08 LEADING THE WAY

ACROSS THE SEAS

14 IN THE NEWS

32 CARING FOR OUR CASUALTIES

LIFE BOAT CIRCLE

35 ALWAYS AT THE READY

AN ELEGANT AFFAIR

A message from Ian Wienburg, your views, the winning letter and things you can win!

Celebrating the men and women at the helm of NSRI’s rescue craft

Thanks, fundraising and awareness drives

Our society for over 50s

567 CapeTalk hosted an evening of fine dining to honour the centenary of the Titanic – and raise funds for NSRI

20 FAREWELL BROTHER, SON, FRIEND A tribute to David Lilienfeld

22 HAIL THE HELPERS

A thank you to Eikos for their ongoing support over the years

SETTING A STANDARD

The new 8.5m Lotto Challenger was launched recently in Port Alfred and set a high standard in performance and crew safety and comfort

26 LOCAL HEROES

We focus on one of Sea Recue’s youngest stations, Station 33 at Witsand

FLARES: ‘I THOUGHT I KNEW IT ALL’ Errol Rutherford shares some enlightening facts about flares

A devastating tornado had emergency services scrambling to assist shocked residents

We remember fellow rescuers, Beatrice Sorensen and Angela Nemeth, who lost their lives during a training exercise

We talk to Dr Cleeve Robertson, NSRI’s chief medical advisor

Shelly Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is a hive of activity, and Station 20 crew keep an eye on residents and visitors alike

36 MASTERS OF DISGUISE

A closer look at one of the ocean’s most colourful creatures: the cuttlefish

38 STATION DIRECTORY 40 GO, STILL BAY!

The annual Still Bay Fun Run in aid of Station 31 is always a great success

SUBSCRIBE AND WIN! TURN TO PAGE 6 FOR DETAILS OF HOW YOU CAN STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A FABULOUS LUMINOX WATCH VALUED AT R2 995!

FROM THE HELM

ON OUR COVER

Evacuating crew off the Eihatsu Maru Photograph: Andrew Ingram

THE CREW THE PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP MANAGING EDITOR Wendy Maritz ART DIRECTOR Tara Keane ADVERTISING Jean Ramsay EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Mark Beare, John Morkel ADDRESS PO Box 15054, Vlaeberg 8018 TEL +27 21 424 3517 FAX +27 21 424 3612 EMAIL wmaritz@tppsa.co.za

SEA RESCUE HEAD OFFICE +27 21 434 4011 WEB www.searescue.org.za MARKETING DIRECTOR Meriel Bartlett CELL 082 994 7555 EMAIL merielb@searescue.org.za MARKETING MANAGER Andrew Ingram CELL 082 990 5977 EMAIL andrewi@searescue.org.za NSRI SPOKESMAN Craig Lambinon CELL 082 380 3800 EMAIL lambinon@mweb.co.za Produced for the NSRI by The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 15054, Vlaeberg 8018. Copyright The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without the prior permission of the editor. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not the NSRI. Offers are available while stocks last.

REPRODUCTION Hirt & Carter PRINTING ABC Press, Cape Town ISBN 1812-0644

Let us not forget that everybody is somebody’s son, mother, uncle or neighbour. When you read statistics like ‘five anglers’, ‘12 children’, ‘nine rugby players’, don’t forget that these are someone’s loved ones. If you are a journalist and even if you write 100 sad stories a day for 365 days in a row, never lose sight of the fact that these are precious people you are writing about. If you are presented with data like ‘one in 204 people...’, don’t forget the real people behind those numbers. Never, ever forget who you are holding in your hands. And if you speak out loud or speak on the radio or publish on Twitter, think first. Think about what you say, what you write, the words that you repeat. It is very distressing to be working at the scene of an emergency, comforting families in their raw state of grief, and being inundated by a complete frenzy of careless people determined to take macabre photographs and videos using their cellphones. It is hideous behaviour. The world should slow down and start to care, and treat everyone as if they were our own.

IAN WIENBURG, CEO

CONTACT US CAPE TOWN: Head Office, 1 Glengariff Road, Three Anchor Bay, 8001, PO Box 154, Green Point, 8051 Tel: +27 21 434 4011 Fax: +27 21 434 1661 Visit our website at www.nsri.org.za, or email us on info@searescue.org.za Find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

LETTERS

WINNING LETTER Congratulations to Mrs Renate Steytler for writing the winning letter. We trust you are making a full recovery. Your Slaley hamper is on its way! Some time ago, my husband and I were travelling to Johannesburg when we had a serious accident on the road between Beaufort West and Colesberg. My head hit the steering wheel, which virtually scalped me. A couple and their grown daughter and friend, travelling in the opposite direction, witnessed the car going down a ditch and immediately stopped to assist. They had all trained with the NSRI (in Muizenberg) and knew exactly what to do. They helped my husband (who was fortunately unhurt) to get me out of the car, staunch the bleeding and keep me warm. Their daughter took control of my shocked husband’s cell, phoned for an ambulance, and contacted a tow truck, our son – and even our insurance company and medial aid. The young man insisted on travelling with me to the hospital and talked to me constantly to keep me awake and comfort me. A more gentle, reassuring young man I could not have hoped to find. He phoned ahead and requested a plastic surgeon to be on hand to attend to my wounds. Meanwhile the rest of the family stayed with my husband until the tow truck arrived and then accompanied him to the hospital in Beaufort West. They only left us when my son arrived to give his father support. The incident has made me realise how valuable some type of first-aid training is. We should all carry a full medical kit, blanket and cushion in the car. We should all know who to contact in an emergency and have some basic knowledge of emergency treatment. We were lucky that the four people who came to our aid were good Samaritans with the skills necessary to save my life. Thank you so much, Graham, Jane and Robin Lewis and Grant Dreyer. Renate and John Steytler

JUST IN TIME Thank you to Graeme Harding and crew from Station 12 (Knysna) for helping to ensure I met with my wife and was able to enjoy the birth of our baby boy. We appreciate that you guys went out of your way to assist us. Jason Scholtz HELPING A STRANGER I received a call that my son, Roeloff, was in an accident. The person who called calmed me down and politely asked that I come down to the accident scene. The first thing that went through my mind was the thought of my son lying there in cold blood. (Funny, when I dressed, I put on my NSRI T-shirt.) I prayed for my son as we rushed to the scene. When I arrived at the mall (my son was taken to where he was working), I sat in my brother’s car for a few moments. I saw my son come walking out with another man. I rushed to them, and thanked the man – who had an NSRI cap on – for helping my son. Back at home, I sent an SMS to the number the man had called from to find out if he was a paramedic. ‘No,’ he said, ‘this is Arno from the NSRI.’ Thank you so much to Arno Smit from Station 4 (Langebaan) for being there for my son. Thank you for the good deeds you guys do. As a mother, this is highly appreciated! I will always wear my T-shirt with pride. May God bless all of you and what your people are doing for the community. Christa Louwrens, Langebaan SPREADING THE WORD Thank you to Meriel and Yolande for all your help in making our NSRI oral the best! Our teacher was all fired up and told the kids to tell their parents about the NSRI, and that we should help when we turn 18. Thank you again, and we wish the NSRI workers and volunteers all the best. Tamsin Mehmel, Parel Vallei High School, Somerset West GUIDED TOUR Thank you to Clive Tesner for his hospitality and willingness on a busy maintenance day to show my dad and me around Station 9 (Gordon’s Bay). It was a pleasure to meet you, and we look forward to meeting up again in the not-too-distant future.  David Taylor

FUNDRAISERS NEEDED TO SUPPORT OUR VOLUNTEERS While our NSRI crews are out at sea saving lives, we have a full-time team raising funds to support their rescue work. Our call centre is based in Milnerton, Cape Town, on the bus route. We also have teams that promote NSRI, face to face, in shopping centres in the major cities. If you have excellent communication skills, good references and are goal orientated, you may be a good candidate. You must be a team player, motivated, energetic, and have good interpersonal skills. If you have no previous fundraising experience, we will train you. For more information or to apply, please call Lianne on (021) 430 4732.

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

LETTERS

Write to us and WIN! The writer of the winning letter published in the Summer 2012 issue of Sea Rescue will win a sumptuous Slaley hamper valued at R750. The hamper contains Slaley Chardonnay, Lindsay’s Whimsy Rosé, Broken Stone Sauvignon Blanc, a Slaley sailing cap, a padded Slaley glass case with two large wine glasses, Slaley Olive Oil and Mouton’s Mission Olives. This hamper can also be ordered from Slaley as a promotional gift or for a special occasion. For more information, telephone (021) 865 2123, visit www.slaley.co.za or pop by and see us on the corner of the R44 and Kromme Rhee Road outside Stellenbosch.

Send your letters to Sea Rescue magazine, PO Box 15054, Vlaeberg 8018. (The winning letter is chosen at the editor’s discretion.)

Top: Station 5 (Durban) Sea Rescue crew on hand to assist at the Dusi. Above: Paul Dawson and his team at Island Rapid.

AT HOME AND WELL, THANKS TO THE NSRI I would like to thank all the people and crew at Station 12 (Knysna), who took such swift, efficient and effective action after the vaso-vagal collapse I experienced while having lunch at the East Head Café in Knysna on 23 March this year. You all showed an incredible professionalism and fantastic co-operation. Truly South African! Impressive! Thank you very much, also, on behalf of my partner, Jacques Bruggeman. Otto Vermeer (in good health), Tiel, The Netherlands

04 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

ASSISTING AT THE DUSI Thanks to the various NSRI teams who helped at the 2012 Dusi Canoe Marathon. The photographers of our canoeing website, www.myriver.co.za, were at some of the most challenging rapids on the three days of the Dusi and we were impressed with the way the NSRI crews managed the rapids. Not only were they constantly vigilant of each and every boat that came through the rapids, but they also helped our photographers across the river and kept an eye on the spectators in the area.  At one of the rapids, Paul Dawson, from Station 5 (Durban), and his team, hauled 1 000 canoes across a dry part of the river since this was the preferred sneak route around the notoriously dangerous Island Rapid. Without the NSRI hauling on their cockpits, every competitor would have had to get out of their boats and drag them across the slippery rocks.  Despite steaming in their wetsuits for hours on end, the crew always had smiles on their faces and chirps for the competitors, and were even friendly to some of those canoeists who ignored their instructions!       Jasper Pons

TO MANY JOBS WELL DONE Some five-and-a-half years ago, I arranged for Beverley du Plooy to talk to us at Probus in Springs. I was bowled over by what she told us of the dedication, commitment and totally unselfish involvement of the rescue volunteers. This inspired me to enrol in the Life boat Circle and help financially – as far as my pension allows. I was then privileged to be invited to attend an open day at Station 27 (Victoria Lake) in Germiston. Speaking to Graham Hartlett, I was again impressed with the way the volunteers are motivated. Earlier this year, I received a letter from Rhona Manack informing me that she had taken over from Beverley. This prompted me to invite Rhona to visit Probus in Springs as we have gained a few new members since Bev’s visit. This she did quite happily, and her talk was well received, and the collection boat well filled, I’m happy to say. I am working on a few members to commit themselves to supporting the worthy cause of NSRI. And now, this is specifically for Ian: the recently received Autumn issue of Sea Rescue lived up to its high standard of news, views and photographs. At first I thought your comment ‘Reach for a box of tissues’ was delivered somewhat tongue in cheek. However, reading Torsten’s punch line in ‘Race against time’, I had to put the magazine down while I walked in the garden to compose myself before reading further.

It is incident reports like these that need to be shouted from the rooftops instead of giving media coverage to all the negativity that prevails in this dear land of ours. This and all future magazines will be circulated among the members of our club with the idea of stimulating more support. My sincere commendations to you and all your staff. Long may you continue in this good work, going from strength to strength. God protect and bless you all. Charles Rogers AVID SUPPORTER I have just read the Autumn issue of Sea Rescue and I want to say that I think what you and your team do is amazing. I am really impressed with the fact that NSRI just gets on with the job of saving lives regardless of the odds they are up against. As president elect of the Rotary Club of Table Bay I am proud to have you, Ian Wienburg, as a member, and to support the wine auction to raise funds. Thanks for all you do for our club and for just being you! Bridget Wares

Your P&I Solution in Africa! P&I Associates (Pty) Ltd Head Office Durban, South Africa

Tel: +27 31 368 5050 Fax: +27 31 332 4455 Mobile: +27 83 250 3398 pidurban@pandi.co.za www.pandi.co.za

Offices throughout Southern Africa

10 SEA RESCUE • AUTUMN 2012

LETTERS SINGING ALONG WITH THE LIFE BOAT CIRCLE A big thank you to Margaret McCulloch for a great Sunday at Station 17 (Hermanus). What a delightful morning – beautiful weather, a wonderful view over the harbour towards Gansbaai, and Bruce Sanderson’s singing. Just to sit, listening to those lovely ‘oldies’ being sung to us ‘oldies’, was such a treat. Where else do you get to hear those old songs and sing along? Only at the NSRI Life boat Circle gatherings. We thank you and your husband for travelling all the way to bring us such a delight, and again, thanks to Bruce. Elizabeth (via email) STATION 10 TO THE RESCUE We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the volunteers of Station 10 (Simon’s Town) for assisting Siphelele Matomela on board the vessel Nommer Sewe, as well as the towing of the vessel Jo-ann to Simon’s Town harbour, after the incident on 25 April 2012. It is at times like this when you realise the important role the NSRI fulfils along our coastline. We can also report that Siphelele has recovered from his injuries, and is back at sea. Keep up the good work. Johann Steyn, Foodcorp (Pty) Ltd

VICTORIA JUNCTION PROTEA HOTEL COMPETITION

Congratulations to Billy Martin of Port Elizabeth, whose entry was the first correct one drawn. We hope you will enjoy your stay at one of Cape Town’s finest hotels!

WIN

a Kitchen in a Box The unique, portable Cobb can roast, bake, smoke, fry, boil and grill on the go – indoors, outdoors, even on your boat! The Cobb always remains cool to the touch on the outside, and is easy to use and clean. The fuel-efficient Cobb uses only one Cobble Stone or around 300g of charcoal for more than two hours of cooking. For more information on the Cobb, please visit www.cobbglobal.com. Answer this easy question to stand a chance to win a Cobb Kitchen in a Box valued at R3 000. This includes a Cobb, as well as a Grill On The Go recipe book, a frying pan, a frying dish, a griddle, a fenced roast rack, a dome extension and a bag. Question: How much charcoal do you need for more than two hours of cooking time with the Cobb? Please email the answer to cobbcompetition@tppsa.co.za or fax it to (021) 424 3612. Terms and conditions: 1. The draw is open to all Sea Rescue readers. 2. The competition closes on 30 September 2012. 3. The winner will be selected from all correct entries by random draw and informed telephonically. 4. The winner’s name will be printed in the Summer 2012 issue of Sea Rescue magazine. 5. By entering this draw, entrants agree to abide by the rules and conditions of the competition. 6. The prize cannot be exchanged for cash. 7. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Subscribe to Sea Rescue magazine and stand a chance to

WIN A

swiss made

WATCH

Using Luminox night technology, Swiss-made Luminox watches give you 25 years of unlimited night visibility. Self-powered by microgas tubes, the watch is visible in all light conditions, and therefore considered essential gear by the US Navy SEALs. It retails at R2 995. FEATURES: • 100m water-resistant • Unidirectional revolving bezel • Hardened mineral glass • Polycarbon reinforced case. For more information, visit www.luminox.com or email Doug Sutherland on sutson@icon.co.za. Please post your form to NSRI Head Office, PO Box 154, Green Point 8051, or to your nearest regional office, or fax it to (021) 434 1661.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PREVIOUS WINNERS: Mr DA Knoesen (Great Brak), Ms Hermien Dry (Melkbosstrand), Mr Malcom D Wilson (Benmore), Mr Richard Stockley (Somerset West), Mr Basil Hart (Somerset West), Monica de Kock (Johannesburg), Robin Hilton Perry (Plumstead).

I WOULD LIKE TO SUBSCRIBE TO SEA RESCUE MAGAZINE I WOULD LIKE TO BUY A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE PERSON BELOW

Full name: Postal address: Postal code: Telephone: (

)

Please find cheque/postal order for R100 Debit my Visa/MasterCard to the amount of R100 Cardholder’s name: Card no Expiry date of card CVV number (at the back of the card) Cardholder’s telephone no: Signature:

Terms and conditions: 1. The draw is open to all Sea Rescue readers. 2. Entries for the giveaway close on 30 September 2012. 3. The winner will be selected by random draw and informed telephonically. 4. The winner’s name will be printed in the Summer 2012 issue of Sea Rescue magazine. 5. By entering this draw, entrants agree to abide by the rules and conditions of the competition. 6. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

THE OCEAN’S LEGACY One thing that I notice every day while I’m with the men and women working at sea is that they understand something about being dependent. They seem to know that there is something larger than themselves and the world they live in. In the words of Uys Krige, well-known poet, I want to ask: ‘Do you, Sir, know the sea?’ The blue water never allows you to forget or be untouched by its majestic vastness. There cannot be a hellish storm without your soul seeking something larger than the power of the angry waters. Perhaps Uys Krige, in his poem, touched on knowing the sea, like no one else. It seems that no one, not even in a thousand letters, managed to touch upon this wonder. He explains something of the fear, of the chance that the sea could swallow you quietly. I just wonder: are our lives as land-dwellers so different? I think we may also be floating on the oceans of life and perhaps we feel that we do not need prayer as much... Submitted by JC Smit, Station 9 (Gordon’s Bay)

Ken jy die see?

Ken jy die see, Meneer, ken jy die see?  Hy lyk nou soos jou voorstoep blinkgeskuur  en kalm soos min dinge hier benee,  maar hy’s gevaarliker as vlam of vuur.

Was jy al van jou bootjie soos ‘n veer gevee  deur ‘n grys golf hoog soos ‘n tronk se muur?  Wat help dit om te spartel en te skree: “Nee! Nee!”  sluk jy eers daardie waters sout en suur?

Dan sê jy nog, Meneer, die vis is duur.

Dié vrede, kalmer as ‘n stil, soet kind lyk of dit dae, dae lank sal duur.  Maar word dié bries ‘n bulderende wind,  dan veg jy vir jou lewe, uur na uur.

Ken jy die doodsangs as die rukwind klap?  Dié waansin ken geen redmiddel of kuur.  Hy vreet mos aan jou ingewande nes ‘n krap.  Hy’s koud soos ys, heet soos die hellevuur!

En jy sê nog, Meneer, die vis is duur.

Dan sê jy nog, Meneer, die vis is duur.

Ja, sleep die swart, swart wind die swart nag mee,  waar kry ons hulp dan, waar’s ons naaste buur?  Die Dood staan voor die deur. Gee hy nog net één tree, dan kelder hy ons almal in sy koue skuur.

Ken jy die see, Meneer, ken jy die see?  Hy wat met groen jaloerse oë na ons gluur,  ons wat net één ou misstappie moet gee  en hy kom tromp-op op ons afgestuur!

En jy sê nog, Meneer, die vis is duur.

Dan sê jy nog, Meneer, die vis is duur.

Wat van die storms wat nooit ophou raas?  Jy sit pal in jou kliphuis, klam en guur,  en hoor die wind al woester, wreder blaas.  En daar’s geen sprokkel hout meer vir jou vuur.

Sien jy die krom ou vroutjie daar, mevrou Mathee,  wat telkens ver, vér oor die golwe tuur?  Sy dink dié briesie bring haar seuns betyds vir tee.  Hul slaap aldrie agter die kerkhofmuur.

Dan sê jy nog, Meneer, die vis is duur.

Dan sê jy nog, Meneer, die vis is duur… Uys Krige

IN MY ELEMENT

by Theodore Yach

Cape Town businessman and ultra-distance swimmer, Theodore Yach, recently completed an autobiography detailing the often risky open-water sea-swimming exploits he’s undertaken since the 1980s. In My Element bears testimony to how focus and determination reap rewards and will both inspire and motivate with its stories of epic swims and training advice. In My Element, written by Theodore Yach and edited by Carola Koblitz, will retail at The Book Lounge for R275 and net proceeds from the sale will be donated to a cause close to Theodore’s heart, the National Sea Rescue Institute.

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

FOCUS ON

LEADING THE WAY

NSRI COXSWAINS ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO TAKE THE HELM OF SEA RESCUE CRAFT, STEERING THEIR CREW INTO OFTEN DIRE SITUATIONS. THEIR ONLY PAYMENT: THE LOOKS ON THE FACES OF THOSE THEY HAVE SAVED. ANDREW INGRAM SPOKE TO SOME OF NSRI’S STATION COMMANDERS TO FIND OUT WHAT MAKES A GOOD COXSWAIN

Above: Station 14 (Plettenberg Bay) coxswain Stephane le Roux. Opposite: Station 3 (Table Bay) coxswain Giles Daubney and crew member Tomé Mendes assist with the evacuation of the fishing trawler Eihatsu Maru.

08 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

he sun has set and most people are home for dinner when Simon’s Town station commander Darren Zimmerman and his training officer, Cameron Davidson, arrive at the rescue base. It is Monday evening and the two men are well into teaching their 20-week training programme for new recruits. This evening’s lesson is on first aid, and the two coxswains, and a first-aid trainer take the new volunteers through spinal immobilisation and the use of a spine board. Darren, with more than 20 years’ experience with Sea Rescue, has some interesting ideas on training his crew and, as Cameron starts to show the class how to use a floating stretcher, Darren stands aside and talks to me about his station’s training method. ‘We have a career plan that we map out for each new recruit, with the ultimate goal of them one day becoming a Class 1 coxswain,’ he says. A Class 1 coxswain is the person who is qualified to take the biggest rescue boats to sea. They will often be at the helm in terrible conditions and will need to guide their volunteer crews through some dangerous and difficult situations. They will need to be able to effect a rescue using multiple rescue craft, sometimes including aircraft, always think clearly, never panic and, of course, be a really good seaman. Not many people are able to fill this extremely demanding job description. And do it free of charge! ‘Everyone who walks through our door is a potential coxswain,’ says Darren. ‘We must harness their interest, and during their training we can see their character and if they have the potential to become a coxswain.’

On 18 May 2012, the beached vessel Eihatsu Maru was successfully towed and refloated by salvage specialists Smit Amandla, much to the delight of residents and onlookers.

“

PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW INGRAM

NOT MANY PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO FILL THIS EXTREMELY DEMANDING JOB DESCRIPTION. AND DO IT FREE OF CHARGE!

Above (left to right): Station 10 (Simon’s Town) station commander Darren Zimmerman, new recruits Michelle Fulton and Ronald Legoale, training officer Cameron Davidson, and ‘mock casualty’ Kim Liell-Cock.

In the first year at Station 10 (Simon’s Town), recruits are encouraged to clock up sea time, as well as their first-aid and radio tickets. The second year includes courses on survival at sea, firefighting and boat handling. And lots more sea time. In the third year, volunteers are nudged towards the qualifications that lead to becoming a coxswain: coastal navigation, electronic navigation systems and engine courses. Towards the end of the three years, if the recruit has worked very hard, and spent most weekends training, it’s possible to pass all the courses. ‘As long as they are committed,’ adds Darren. ‘Anyone can get a boat from A to B. It’s what they do when they get to B that really counts.’n x Station x On a Simon’s Town rescue crew you can often find two coxswains on a boat. The newly qualified person will have the helm, and the experienced cox will be there ‘to hold their hand’. ‘Driving the boat is the smallest part of the job,’ says Darren. ‘The coxswain needs to be able to hold himself back. He must be a team player and needs to be able to think before he acts.’ Michelle Fulton, 30, is one of the new recruits being trained. She has one week left in her initial training and, when asked if her aim is to become a coxswain, she doesn’t hesitate. ‘Yes. I want to be able to save someone’s life,’ she says.

10 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

Brad Geyser is one of Sea Rescue’s longest-serving volunteers, and station commander at Hout Bay. Brad has vast experience in choosing and training coxswains who will be able to do the job. ‘Having SAMSA [South African Maritime Safety Authority] qualifications is one thing,’ says Brad. ‘Having the leadership

“

ANYONE CAN GET A BOAT FROM A TO B. IT’S WHAT THEY DO WHEN THEY GET TO B THAT REALLY COUNTS ability to take a volunteer crew to sea under very trying and dangerous conditions to effect a rescue is another issue completely. Selection of a seagoing coxswain is a critical decision. We need to ensure that the correct people are chosen,’ he explains. ‘If you take all of this into consideration, they need to be very special people indeed.’ Further up the east coast, Clifford Ireland, who’s been the Durban station commander since 2010, and Graeme

FOCUS ON

Harding, who’s run the Knysna station for four years, feel that age and experience are critical to being a good coxswain. Says Clifford, ’The older the person, the more mature they are, and hence you can make a good assessment fairly soon after they join. An 18-year-old is just too young to assess accurately.’ Graeme chips in, ‘The most important thing that we look at while a person is a crewman is how they interact with fellow crew and, when put in a rescue situation, how they cope with taking leadership and giving instructions. Some guys are great on the helm of the boat but cannot work with people. ‘Attitude and temperament play a large role. Once a crewman has been recognised to have those skills, and has all the required qualifications (first aid, skipper’s certificate, firefighting and Sea Rescue in-service training completed), they will be promoted to a trainee coxswain on the smallest boat in the station,’ he explains. ‘This is when the commitment to long hours of training comes into play. They will now have to learn not only how to helm the boat in all situations, but also to lead the crew to work as a team. ‘Once they have reached the required hours of service, and the station commander and senior coxswains are happy with their performance, we apply for their rescue-coxswain

status on their SAMSA skipper’s ticket. Once that is received, they are promoted to a 4-metre coxswain. ‘This is followed by years of continual training until you eventually becomes a coxswain of the flagship vessel within your station,’ says Graeme. A Sea Rescue coxswain must have a great passion for the sea, followed by an unrelenting commitment to saving lives. It is a job that requires 100 percent commitment. Coxswains have to have a complete understanding of the water and its different conditions. They know each rock, reef and rip current in their area, and it goes without saying that they are absolute experts in the handling of their rescue vessel, in all conditions. This takes literally hundreds of hours of training. Then some more training, just to be sure. A coxswain has to be a people’s person and the crew must be able to trust them completely – especially because at times they will be going where other people fear to go. When, during a rescue, all hell is breaking loose, the coxswain is the one who calmly takes control and, while directing operations, keeps a close eye on the whole scene in order to effect a successful rescue. As Brad says: ‘They need to be very special people indeed.’ SR

Amandla Marine

Investing in the Maritime Industry of the Future – Today SERVICE ACTIVITIES Management of Offshore Tanker Terminals Subsea Services In-Port Bunker Delivery Offshore Supply & Support Ocean & Coastal Towage Environmental Protection Support for Emergency Response Vessel Management HEAD OFFICE

31 Carlisle Street, Paarden Eiland 7405 P.O. Box 1339, Cape Town 8000 Tel: +27 (0)21 507 5777 Fax +27 (0)21 507 5885 Email: smitamandla.cpt@smit.com www.careersatsea.co.za www.facebook.com/SmitAmandlaMarine

NSRI COXSWAINS COXSWAINS QUALIFIED TO HELM NSRI CLASS 1 RESCUE BOATS

Darren Zimmerman

Sean Serfontein

Dawie Zwiegelaar

George Smith

Johnny Albert James Beaumont Bruce Bodmer

Koos Smith COXSWAINS QUALIFIED TO HELM NSRI CLASS 2 RESCUE BOATS

Keryn van der Walt Frans van Mosseveld

Stuart Buchanan

Rhine Barnes

Darius van Niekerk

Mark Burton

Wesley Barnes

Leon van Niekerk

Cameron Davidson

André Beuster

Chris van Staden

Louis Duimelaar

Paul Bevis

Grant van Staden

Rudi Fisch

Miles Bisset

Roland van Wezel

André Fletcher

Roger Brink

Aidan Wood

André Fraser

Roger Clancy

Ian Gray

Arno Cloete

Ian Hamilton

Jean du Plessis

Henk Henn

Mike Elliot

Clint Abrahams

Chris Hudson

Casper Frylinck

Douglas Aschmann

Clifford Ireland

Reinard Geldenhuys

Brett Ayres

Brian Kingston

Brad Geyser

Kobus Barnard

Geoff McGregor

Sven Gussenhoven

Gary Baron

Mike Millar

Graeme Harding

Darren Berry

Mike Patterson

Mark Harlen

Grant Blewett

Gerhard Potgieter

Wayne Harlen

Daniel Boshoff

Lyall Pringle

Rein Hofmeyr

Brian Brink

Anton Prinsloo

Jeremiah Jackson

Robin Brown

Ian Reid

Mike Jacobs

Riaan Claasen

David Roberts

Myck Jubber

Andries Coetzee

Dorian Robertson

Dorean Keown

Jan Coetzee

Rosy Rosenstrauch

Jacobus Louw

Pieter Coetzee

Ian Ruthven

Rico Menzies

Tom Coetzee

Brian St Clair-Laing

Kobus Meyer

John Costello

Jonathan Tufts

Declan Nurse

Giles Daubney

Pat van Eyssen

Juan Pretorius

Bruce Davidson

Johan van Heerden

Rudi Rogers

Stephen Davis

Leonard Wallis

Spooky Selk

Paul Dawson

12 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

COXSWAINS QUALIFIED TO HELM NSRI CLASS 3 RESCUE BOATS

Jaco de Jongh

Stephane le Roux

David Spangenberg

Antonie de Klerk

Cherelle Leong

Geoff Stephens

Morné Dettmer

Paul Leong

Neal Stephenson

Garth Dominy

Mark Mans

Francois Stevens

Gerrit du Plessis

Dick Manten

Lorenzo Taverna-Turisan

Yvette du Preez

Cliffie Marlow

Clive Tesner

Cornel du Toit

Marc May

Bradley Thomas

Justin Erasmus

Bob Meikle

Mark Thompson

Laurent Eray

Alan Meiklejohn

Daniel Troskie

Robert Fine

Rob Miles

Deon Truter

Brett Firth

Mbongiseni Miya

Piet van der Merwe

Gavin Fordham

Stephen Muller

Robert van Helsdingen

Mario Fredericks

Hennie Niehaus

Marc van Staden

Robbie Gibson

Jaco Niemand

Judy van Zyl

Gordon Greeff

Donald Olivier

PJ Veldhuizen

Attie Gunter

Spencer Oldham

Daniel Viljoen

Shaun Harris

Marcus Oshry

Kevin Warren

Timothy Hart

John Paul

Michael Wilson

Michael Hay

Bradley Petersen

Daniel Heimann

Gerhard Potgieter

Torsten Henschel

Cathrin Prentis

Attie Hoffman

Leon Pretorious

Andrew Ingram

Dewald Pretorious

Keegan I’Ons

Phil Ress

Pierre Jacobs

Jal Rigaard

Rieghard Janse van Rensburg

Robert Robinson

André Jerling

Brad Ross

Lloyd Johnston

Edward Russouw

Karen Kennedy

Vaughn Seconds

Ian Klopper

Ron Selley

Jacques Kruger

Wendy Serfontein

Deon Langenhoven

Garth Shamley

Kevin Langeveld

Grant Skinner

Marc Rodgers

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE LISTED THE COXSWAINS IN THEIR HIGHEST RANK ONLY, NOT REPEATED THEM UNDER EACH CLASS. THIS LIST ONLY INCLUDES OUR CURRENT, ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS. WE HAVE NOT INCLUDED FORMER CREW (AS THIS LIST IS SIMPLY TOO LONG), ALTHOUGH WE HAVE INCLUDED QUALIFIED COXSWAINS WHO ARE NO LONGER ACTIVE AS COXSWAINS BUT ARE STILL ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS.

M-24

M-36

M-412

Icom Marine VHF Radios M-24

R2 099

M-36

R2 695

M-412

R2 695

Free Delivery Nationwide Prices include VAT and are valid while stocks last.

Tel: 0877 500 600

www.eshopper.co.za/marine

BULLETIN BOARD

IN THE NEWS THE NEED FOR SPEED The Knysna Speed Festival has come and gone and, once again, the Station 12 (Knysna) crew went the extra mile. The festival is a week-long racing driver’s dream, consisting of highadrenalin go-cart racing on Thesen Island, where our crew do the track safety and marshalling. Then there are slot-car races, and a box-cart derby down the Simola hill, which culminates in the high-speed Simola hill-climb. This event attracts many of the national drivers, for example, Sarel van der Merwe, Jaki Sheckter and Deon Joubert were there. The cars range from a McLaren, Ferrari and Lambo, all the way down to a 1974 1275 Mini Cooper. The fastest car covered the 1.6km uphill in a super-impressive time of 41.8 seconds. We were approached to help out at the first event four years ago, and are still doing so – from providing volunteers in the pit area and assisting with the starting of the cars to track safety and marshalling. And all to rave reviews. At the dinner function after the event Roger McCleary, the world-famous racing commentator, said the following: ‘These NSRI guys do such a stunning job, I wish we could use them for all racing events in the country.’

NSRI’S HEAD OFFICE IS FUNDED THROUGH OUR FAITHFUL PLATINUM SPONSORS. ALL OTHER DONATIONS CAN THEREFORE BE SET ASIDE FOR RESCUE WORK.

PLATINUM PARTNERSHIPS

GOLD PARTNERSHIPS • DE BEERS MARINE • FREDDY HIRSCH GROUP • ITALTILE • LUSITANIA MARKETING SERVICES • MACS MARITIME SHIPPING • MARINE PRODUCTS • NETCARE HOSPITALS • OCEANA • SAPPI LTD • SFG ENGINEERING • SVITZER-MENDI • TMS SOUTH AFRICA LTD • TWO OCEANS MARINE

14 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

JACKS OF ALL TRADES Vincent Tee, the owner of Caltex Wavelands in Jeffreys Bay, kindly donated the use of his car-wash facility to the crew of Station 37 (Jeffreys Bay) who raised R7 000. The volunteers had been up most of the night searching for a missing fisherman, but put on brave faces and got their hands ‘dirty’ (or should we rather say, ‘clean’?).

AGULHAS CREW TAKE OOM DAAN FOR A SWIM Oom Daan, a Struisbaai local had a stroke, resulting in paralysis down the one side of his body, which has made it impossible for him to swim in the sea. A special request from his family to volunteers at Station 30 (Agulhas) made it possible for Oom Daan to get in the water again. ‘Baie geluk aan die NSRI wat ‘n uitstekende voorbeeld van gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en gemeenskapsdiens stel. Mag hulle van krag tot krag gaan en wye ondersteuning van die gemeenskap en van die owerheid kry. Gelukkig wys die foto nie hoe ek bewe nie, want die seewater was nie juis warm nie, maar ek het dit nogtans baie geniet!’ sê Oom Daan. Uvongo Rotary Ann President, Wendy Holniss, hands over the cheque for R1 500 to Allan Stilwell of Station 32 (Port Edward). This generous donation covered the cost of a tow hitch and goose-neck for the 4x4 rescue vehicle.

The kind-hearted volunteers at Station 17 (Hermanus) took part in the CANSA Relay for Life. Crew took turns walking throughout the night – from 16h00 on the Saturday to 6h00 the following morning.

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

Above: (from left) Robin Brown, Choppie Linstrom, Jonathan Tuffs, Daniel Heimann, Brad Geyser, Juan Pretorius, Jal Riggard, Lohan Potgieter, Jason Kotze, Paul Hurley, Rian Raubenheimer, Marc May, Brett Firth, Clive Shamley and Keryn van der Walt; (in front) Mark Mans, Justin Erasmus and Rieghard Janse van Rensburg.

WISE MEN – AND WOMAN – FROM THE EAST Our politicians have been outspoken in the media of late about the sad state of the Eastern Cape and the poor management of the province – but you wouldn’t believe it if you met Sea Rescue’s leadership team in the area. These men and women are a cut above the rest. The majority of them are self-employed entrepreneurs, which means that each hour they spend away from their work means a good few rand less at the end of the month. They do not earn fixed monthly salaries, nor do they get the standard 18 days leave. Yet, a more committed group of volunteers you could not hope to meet. During the Easter holidays this year, these men and women went a step further by sacrificing family time to attend stationcommander training.

A station commander is responsible for managing his crew and assets, as well as having to make tough decisions when it comes to launching, co-ordinating and possibly calling off a search-and-rescue operation. They are also the interface with a usually distressed family. Sea Rescue’s Station Commander Training Programme, compiled by legendary station commander Brad Geyser from Hout Bay (and previous station commander at Bakoven), aims to ensure consistency in procedure, as well as log a shared knowledge base of experience gained over many years. We feel rather proud of the fact that rescue organisations from other countries are now eager to use our material and to introduce similar courses in their areas. The training weekend was hosted by Station 21 (St Francis Bay) station commander Marc May. Marc and Anneke May own the Sandriver Lodge and, being a chef, Anneke kindly took care of the catering for the weekend. Regional director Clive Shamley and his next door neighbours, the Matheussens, kindly hosted the delegates in their homes in order to save on accommodation costs. A special word of thanks to Clive’s wife, Pat, for her warm hospitality. The training was attended by station commanders and their deputies from all Eastern Cape stations – Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay and Oyster Bay. In line with Sea Rescue’s ongoing succession planning, this opportunity was shared with other senior crew in leadership positions. THANK YOU • to Samantha Prinsloo of St Stithians who was in Cape Town visiting her grandparents recently and spent two days in our offices scanning in documents to help ease the admin burden on the rescue crew. • to the ever-loyal Subtech for yet another donation, this time an amount of R40 000 to Station 19 (Richards Bay)

SPECIAL OFFER Sea Rescue has a proud new supporter in Oznium LED Lights South Africa, which sells high-quality but inexpensive LED products. Oznium not only supports NSRI but also offers our volunteers, donors and supporters a 10% discount on all their products. Additionally, for every sale concluded on the Oznium website through NSRI, Oznium will donate a further 10% to Sea Rescue. Simply go online, choose your desired LED products and click the ‘Add to cart’ button. When your shopping tour is done, click ‘Check out’ and all you need to do is add your personal NSRI discount code: nsri10. A last click on ‘Check out’ and after the conclusion of your payment, you are the owner of exciting Oznium LED products at the discounted prices… and you have supported Sea Rescue. Please make sure to use the NSRI discount code to qualify for this offer.

www.oznium.co.za

PHOTOGRAPH: RRAD PHOTOGRAPHY

BULLETIN BOARD

WITH THANKS Mike Clarke of All Shipping & Trading Services donated 500l of fuel to Station 3 (Table Bay).

COMING UP... n The NSRI AGM Where and when: Auditorium, BoE Clocktower, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, on Tuesday, 28 August 2012 at 17h30 for 18h00. (All are welcome!)

n The NSRI Melkbosstrand Adventure Day at Koeberg Where and when: Koeberg Nature Reserve on 29 September 2012. Bookings for the 4×4 and quad bike tours will open on the first Monday of August. Call Rhine Barnes on (021) 550 4445 to book.

Thank you, Lwazi Mankahla, from MediClinic for the fully-stocked medical jump bags. Lwazi is pictured here with Alison Smith from Sea Rescue.

NEW BOATHOUSE FOR STATION 14 (PLETTENBERG BAY), THANKS TO ITALTILE At the end of last year, Station 14 (Plettenberg Bay) crew moved into their newly renovated rescue base on Central beach. The official opening and blessing of the new boathouse took place earlier this year, and Italtile CFO Peter Swatton unveiled a plaque commemorating the Italtile staff members and the two pilots who lost their lives when the light aircraft they were flying in crashed into the sea off Plettenberg Bay.

Top: Wouter van der Merwe, Peter Swatton and Tasmin Mulder, all of Italtile. Above: Station 14 (Plettenberg Bay) crew.

‘In the midst of the tragedy we were blessed to have the tremendous support of the NSRI. Their steady guidance and compassion, unwavering professionalism and tireless efforts helped us through a desperately difficult time,’ said Peter Swatton, Italtile chief financial officer. ‘The selfless work that the volunteers of the NSRI do is an inspiration to us all. It is a privilege to be associated with the NSRI and we are delighted that in funding the construction of this new facility we have the opportunity to establish a living tribute to the colleagues we lost, while at the same time creating a fitting environment for the NSRI to conduct the courageous and noble work that is so vital to the people of this country.’

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

LIFE BOAT CIRCLE

Janet Burgess (left) and Glynis Pulford (Donor support: shipping levies)

THANK YOU FOR THE DONATIONS RECEIVED SPECIAL OCCASIONS •Wayne Arendse (64th birthday) • Dave Kilpin (70th birthday) • Mrs J Kolodzyck (70th birthday) • Ef Jurgenson (90th birthday) • Anita Immerman (90th birthday) • Jack Oglesby (91st birthday) • Paul Beck (birthday) • Mrs T Selzer (birthday) • Dion O’Cuinneagain (birthday) • Michael Cameron-Dow (birthday) • Cape Lace Guild (sale of patterns) • Darryl and Tanya Joselowsky (hospitality)

INTRODUCING JANET Meet Janet Burgess of Durban, who will be running our Life boat Circle society for retired supporters in KwaZulu-Natal. After qualifying as a teacher, Janet held various PR positions in business. When her children were young, she was active on school boards, in gardening clubs and organising charity events. Her hobbies include gardening and sewing. Contact Janet on 083 366 3055 or email her at janetb@searescue.org.za.

REMEMBERING KEITH WINTER It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Keith Winter (30 November 1920 to 21 June 2012). Best known for his commitment to civic duty, Keith was for many years a member of Station 14’s (Plettenberg Bay) support committee serving as secretary and treasurer until he retired from the committee in 1997. Our sincere condolences to his family.

Our regional bequest officers love bringing Sea Rescue’s stories to interested social clubs, service organisations and retired persons. We promise you a fun, entertaining and educational presentation. We’ve recently set up a Life boat Circle Facebook page. To view some of our recent activities, and to download an application form for free membership of the Life boat Circle, visit www.facebook.com/NationalSeaRescueInstituteLifeBoatCircle.

IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES • Joan Amelia Caris • Professor WA (Wog) Hawksworth • Gordon A Haygarth • David Lilienfeld • Bronwyn Parsons • Alison van Staden (née Saunders) • Captain Phil Penn • Michael C Wells • Mary Fraser • Joe de Kock • RA Quinn • Mike Wells • John Eldred Davis • Michael Wright • Keith Winter ASHES LOG Our respects were paid and the details of the following scatterings recorded in the ship’s log:

• Thelma van Blommestein • Danny and Gary Watkins in Table Bay • Herbert Alexander Steward in Simon’s Bay

Life boat Circle is a society for retired persons. For more information, contact Margaret McCulloch on 082 990 5976 or email margaretm@searescue.org.za

18 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

FUNDRAISING THE RMS TITANIC TRAGICALLY SANK ON 15 APRIL 1912. 100 YEARS LATER, IT SEEMED ONLY FITTING TO COMMEMORATE HER MEMORY AND THE PLACE SHE WILL ALWAYS HAVE IN THE HISTORY BOOKS

AN ELEGANT AFFAIR O

n 14 August this year, guests gathered in the exquisitely decorated Green Room of the Mount Nelson in Cape Town to remember the maiden voyage of White Star Line’s Titanic. The event was presented by 567 CapeTalk with the proceeds going to the NSRI. Chef Rudi Liebenberg treated guests to an eight-course meal, based on the one served aboard the Titanic and a theatrical tableau was enacted by CapeTalk presenter and renowned actor, John Maytham, which brought to life the events of that tragic evening. All the guests were elegantly dressed in keeping with the period and blended perfectly with the Edwardian feel of the Mount Nelson’s Green Room, which was decorated with silverware and opulent candelabras. A classical string quartet created a wonderfully elegant and refined ambiance for the occasion. The dinner raised R126 555 for Sea Rescue, and we thank all the guests; the organiser, Spill; and everyone else who participated in making the evening such a memorable one. SR

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

FAREWELL

BROTHER, SON, FRIEND SATURDAY, 21 APRIL WILL BE ETCHED IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF DAVID LILIENFELD’S FAMILY FOREVER, AS SCORES OF BODYBOARDERS TOOK TO THE WATER IN A MOVING TRIBUTE TO A TALENTED AND MUCH-LOVED YOUNG MAN. PHOTOGRAPH KINDLY DONATED BY EUGENE VAN DER ELST

TRIBUTE

It is without a doubt that the phenomenal turnout of family, friends and supporters reflected the impact that David Lilienfeld had on the lives of those around him. David tragically lost his life after being bitten by a shark on 19 April this year.

SEA RESCUE â&#x20AC;˘ WINTER 2012

RELATIONSHIPS

HAIL THE HELPERS

WE CAUGHT UP WITH EIKOS’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, HUGH REIMERS, TO FIND OUT A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTION THE COMPANY IS MAKING TO SAVING LIVES ON SOUTH AFRICAN WATERS

t’s always a pleasure to meet and chat to long-standing Sea Rescue supporters. These individuals have a couple of things in common: they understand the important role the NSRI plays in saving lives on South African waters, and they tend to offer their support quietly from the wings without asking for too much recognition. One of these NSRI stalwarts is Eikos Risk Applications, an independent marine and transportation insurance broker and consultancy. On meeting managing director Hugh Reimers, I am immediately aware that he’s utterly humble about the initiative he started shortly after the company was founded in 1999. ‘Eikos has quite a large portfolio of small craft (inherited from Derrick Warne, a small-craft broker that was amalgamated into Eikos right at the beginning), and it was important for us to give something back via the same sector,’ Hugh explains. ‘The NSRI was a natural choice.’ The idea was to give a percentage of each marine policy sold as a donation to the NSRI.

22 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

He got in touch with Sea Rescue CEO Ian Wienburg, and the rest, as they say, is history – and a mutually beneficial one at that. Ian describes it as a win-win situation. ‘The great thing about the Eikos contribution,’ he explains, ‘is that it is made monthly, so there is consistency. It’s not project-specific, so it means we can service an immediate need or hold the money until one arises. Eikos insures our fleet at a competitive rate, and the claims are handled very professionally.’ Aside from insuring small craft, Eikos offers a number of other services, which broadly include yacht, motorboat and charter-vessel insurance, freight clearing and forwarding liability and cargo insurance, and legal liability services. With a portfolio of about 5 000 diverse clients, (including UTI and Nampak), it’s a dynamic business that has gone from strength to strength. Hugh is somewhat of a specialist in the marine-broking field, and has a long history in the business. One would be hard-

Centrum Guardian Awards The Centrum Guardian 2012 Awards are underway, and we’re proud to announce that Torsten Henschel and the team from Station 23 (Wilderness) are semi-finalists. The winner’s base station will receive R55 000, so your vote counts! To vote for Torsten, SMS the word ‘STAMINA’ to 33123. (R1.50 per SMS. Free SMSes do not apply)

WORDS: WENDY MARITZ, PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW INGRAM

You can also vote online (at no additional cost) by visiting www.centrumguardian.com or www.facebook/centrumguardian. (Votes are limited to 10 per email address.) pressed to find a more qualified person to be watching over the Sea Rescue fleet. Plus, he’s no stranger to getting his hands and feet wet. He’s an avid diver in the KwaZulu-Natal area and also enjoys sailing. He says one of his most memorable outings was a 10-day yachting trip around the Madagascan coast. He has temporarily hung up his sailing cap to explore South Africa on the seat of a bicycle, and in June this year participated in the 2 400km Freedom Challenge cycle race from Pietermaritzburg to Paarl in the Cape. The contribution made by Eikos over the years is highly valued by Sea Rescue. As a gesture of gratitude, three NSRI craft were named in honour of the consistent and generous all-round support the company has been giving and continues to give. The craft are housed in Durban (the 10m deep-sea rescue craft Eikos Rescuer II), PE (the 5.5m RIB Eikos Rescuer I), and St Francis Bay (the 7.2m RIB Eikos Rescuer IV). SR Clockwise from left: The three vessels named in honour of Eikos’s ongoing support – Eikos Rescuer IV (St Francis Bay), Eikos Rescuer II (Durban) and Eikos Rescuer I (Port Elizabeth); Eikos managing director Hugh Reimers

To watch a re-enactment of the rescue, Rip Current Rescue, Wilderness, that saw them become semi-finalists, tune in to SABC3 on Thursday, 16 August 22h10 (repeated on Friday, 17 August 10h00). The Centrum Guardians TV series starts on 19 July 2012 on SABC3 at 22h10 with repeat broadcasts on Fridays at 10h00. Voting opens 1 July and closes 30 September 2012. The finalists will be announced on 4 October 2012 when voting will open and close again on 7 October 2012. The winner will be announced at the finale awards event on 9 October and an edited version of the event will be broadcast on 11 October 2012.

STATION NEWS

SETTING A STANDARD A

fter a year of research and development, NSRI and Gemini have launched a new class of rescue boat. The new 8.5m Cabin Class Sea Rescue boat, called Lotto Challenger, is the first of what will become a standard for Sea Rescue in this size of boat. Delivered to Port Alfred in mid-April, the boat has completed her sea trials and the crew have been thoroughly trained in all her systems. ‘She is a lot easier on the crew than our old boat and she handles very well in the river mouth, which is often quite tricky,’ says station commander Juan Pretorius. ‘Also she doesn’t broach. This makes controlling her in a following sea relatively easy. It’s really great having a purposebuilt Sea Rescue boat on station,’ he adds. Lotto Challenger is powered by two 225Hp Honda engines, carries 500l of fuel in four tanks and has a range endurance of 80nm. She has two Icom 422 VHF radios, a Garmin 4010 GPS Chart Plotter Radar combination, as well as AIS and Tracker systems installed. A large part of the new crew comfort, which combats fatigue and allows crews to spend more time at sea on rescue missions, is the fact that she is a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). She also has four suspension seats.

24 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

The rescue crew complement is six and she’s equipped with self-righting gear, first-aid equipment and a spine board. She’s also capable of towing a vessel of up to three-and-ahalf tonnes comfortably. When responding to an emergency, weather permitting, Lotto Challenger can do up to 35 knots. The newly designed cabin has an open companion way and a sliding window for both the coxswain and navigator. Forward of the helming position is the survivor compartment built to accommodate four people. ‘This class of boat has been developed for our local conditions,’ says NSRI operations director Mark Hughes. ‘She is very quick and responds really well in bad conditions. But the best thing about her is that the crew is so much more comfortable in this type of craft, allowing them to operate for much longer at sea. As Port Alfred’s flanking stations are not close, this is critical,’ he continues. At the same time as Honda was announcing its new BT250 flagship engines to the South African boating community in Port Alfred, Sea Rescue launched Lotto Challenger, powered by Honda’s 225s. It was certainly a day that the Port Alfred boating community enjoyed, and a day to remember for NSRI. Thank you to Lotto for sponsoring another Sea Rescue boat. SR

PHOTOGRAPH: ANDREW INGRAM

ANDREW INGRAM CAPTURED THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW 8.5M LOTTO CHALLENGER AT STATION 11 (PORT ALFRED) RECENTLY. THE RIGID INFLATABLE BOAT WAS GREETED WITH MUCH EXCITEMENT AS IT OFFERS MORE CREW TIME AT SEA FOR EXTENDED RESCUE MISSIONS

SHOWCASING THE

BF250

HONDA’S NEW OUTBOARD ENGINE WAS UNVEILED IN PORT ALFRED RECENTLY. THE VERDICT? POWERFUL, DURABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY

onda Marine launched its new flagship outboard engine in Port Alfred in April. The BF250 with Honda’s BLAST and VTEC technology was unveiled to dealers and the press during a presentation at Port Alfred’s River Hotel, after which guests were invited to take the helm of four different boats and to feel for themselves what these beauties can do. Perhaps at this stage it’s worth looking at some of the amazing technology in these sleek outboards. The BLAST technology (boosted low-speed torque) is just what you’re looking for if you have an issue getting out of the hole when you have a wakeboarder behind you. A quick movement of the throttle control activates the BLAST system, enriching the air-fuel ratio and advancing the ignition curve aggressively. Simply put, it gets the hull up on the plane faster. And VTEC? That’s Honda’s unique variable valve timing and lift electronic control, which effectively packs the high-velocity air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber to produce more power. And power is not something that these engines are short on. The days of looking down your nose at sluggish four-stroke engines are long gone, but this new release from Honda really lifts the bar on so many fronts. The BF250 is National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) certified, which allows engine

data to be interfaced with on-board systems and displays such as SONAR and GPS. Another very clever innovation is called AMP+. At idle, when electrical loads create a need for additional amperage, the electronic control module automatically increases the engine’s RPMs by 100 to produce an additional nine amps. This cunningly prevents critical battery power drain, a major concern if you’re fishing miles offshore. The BF250 also features a high-performance gear case designed to withstand the extremes of rescue, law enforcement and military use. Combined with a gear-reduction ratio (2:1) and a large range of props (up to 16 inches) the 250s have amazing levels of all-round performance. On top of this, huge advances in fuel economy have been made by Honda, and it is the 10th year in a row that it has won the US award for the greenest automaker. These extremely powerful motors are as environmentally friendly as it is possible to make them. That they are used in a Honda/WWF project is testament to their eco-friendly design. As always with a new product, the proof is in the testing. And to find a single person who, after having the throttles of these 250s in their hand, did not have a big smile on their face would be a bit like looking for the Loch Ness monster. SR

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

FOCUS ON

LOCAL HEROES THE SMALL TOWN OF WITSAND, SITUATED AT THE MOUTH OF THE BREEDE RIVER, IS A PEACEFUL HAVEN THAT OFFERS A HOST OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE. IT’S ALSO HOME TO ONE OF NSRI’S YOUNGEST STATIONS AND A DEDICATED CREW WHO ARE AT THE READY TO ASSIST ANYONE IN NEED. BY WENDY MARITZ

26 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

Left page: The southern Cape region gets together for interstation crew exercises. This page (clockwise from top left): André Roothman and Uys Winterbagh are brought to safety after their sea kayak capsized. Both men and kayak were recovered; Leon Pretorius poses for the camera during interstation exercises; Witsand is known as the whale nursery of South Africa and attracts eager whale watchers every year during breeding season.

PHOTOGRAPHS: REINARD GELDENHUYS, ANDREW AVERLEY

ew people involved in the June 2011 rescue of the four crew of the yacht Gulliver will forget the extreme conditions in which the rescuers put to sea. Station 33 (Witsand) crew members Attie Gunter, Leon Pretorius and Quinten Diener describe the storm that night as one they had never seen the likes of before. Visibility was non-existent, and the crew had to shoot flares to light up the search area. If finding the yacht was a challenge, returning to base with the four casualties in the 5.5m RIB Queenie Paine was even more so. It took everything they had to get themselves and the four casualties, who were suffering from hypothermia, safely back to base. Attie, Leon and Quinten were awarded the Silver Class Award for Gallantry for their bravery. It’s rescues like this one that have entrenched the NSRI into the Witsand community. In fact, it’s hard to believe how they got along before the base was established there six years ago. A quick glance at a map shows that Witsand lies almost halfway between Cape Agulhas and Mossel Bay, with Still Bay more or less at the halfway mark between Witsand and Mossel Bay. But this is deceiving in terms of distance. As deputy station commander Rob Wilson explains, ‘Witsand is too far away from other bases for them to service the primary needs of this area’s waters. We are talking more than 100km by sea and 140km by road at least on either side of us. And

most of our serious work occurs in the river mouth 2km from the base, or up the river to a distance of about 15km.’ In fact, the station was initially motivated based on river rescues and the regular incidents of capsizing experienced by craft exiting and entering the mouth of the river (commonly referred to as ‘The Bar’). During the Gulliver rescue, both flanking stations were activated along with the Witsand crew. But, as Rob explains, ‘Station 30 (Agulhas) crew were only halfway to the scene when our guys returned to the safety of the bay. Stilbaai couldn’t reach us by sea, so they hitched up their boat and started coming by road in case we needed help.’ While this story illustrates the necessity of Witsand needing its own dedicated station, it also shows the true camaraderie among sea-rescue volunteers. ‘We’re not lean-over-the-fence-and-chat neighbours,’ smiles Rob, ‘but just knowing that fellow crew were on their way kept up the rescuers’ morale during that difficult operation.’ More recently, Witsand has seen an increase in commercial fishing in the area. While Mossel Bay is the home port of these vessels, it’s not unusual for them to operate widely along the southern coast, and they often shelter in the protection of St Sebastian Point, about 3nm from the Witsand base. ‘We have, on a number of occasions, conducted operations

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

The road to Witsand is off the beaten track for post or courier deliveries but The Blue Crane Farmstall on the N2 has kindly offered to be the official post office for Station 33 (Witsand). Station 33 (Witsand) needs: a wet and dry vacuum cleaner, two typist’s chairs, a squeegy mop and bucket, towing tractor, floating stretcher, fridge, blankets, and towels.

to these vessels, either to pick up injured crew or to ferry critical spares with mechanics to the boats so that they can be restored to safe operation,’ Rob adds. It’s heart-warming to note that many of those helped are quick to make donations to express their gratitude for the assistance. The crew has grown from its original three members to 14 today, and in a town of fewer than 300 residents, it’s not hard to believe that they get involved in all aspects of servicing the community. And to do so, they need to keep themselves, their base and all their equipment shipshape. Of the approximately 7 800 hours of crew time put in last year, 20 percent was operational, and the rest was spent on training or exercises and maintenance. ‘We ask our members to go out in virtually any weather conditions to help others. To do that, we must ensure that they are well trained and practiced for what they may encounter,’ Rob says. ‘The crew launched 98 times during the past year; 47 of these were operations, the rest were launches for training and exercise purposes.’ At the end of last year, crew were once again involved in a memorable rescue. A few days before Christmas, the station at Witsand as well as Station 30 (Agulhas) were activated following reports of two paddlers who had capsized and were clinging onto the upturned hull of their double sea kayak between Arniston and Cape Infanta. They had called using a cellphone and explained they were unable to get back onto their craft as swells were too high, and the current and wind too strong. Their only reference point was they could

see a mast-like tower. Responding crew figured this was the Overberg Test Range tower and launched in haste, fearing the men might be pulled onto rocks near the shore. The Overberg Fire and Rescue helicopter, a Squirrel B2, carrying NSRI rescue swimmers also responded. Witsand crew set off in the 5.5 RIB Queenie Paine and joined the helicopter searching for the men, while Agulhas volunteers were activated as backup. The two men were located near Koppie Alleen, approximately 5nm from Cape Infanta, steadily being swept towards rocks onshore. Both were wearing life jackets. The men, who had been in the water for around two hours by then, were recovered onto Queenie Paine and taken to Witsand base where they received treatment for hypothermia and exhaustion. Crew also recovered the kayak. The two casualties, Capetonian actor André Roothman, and Uys Winterbagh, from Oranjezicht, were united with their relieved families shortly afterwards. For those living in Witsand and using the surrounding waters for both leisure and work, it’s good to know that the crew of Station 33 are at the ready to respond to any emergency. SR

MORE ABOUT STATION 33 AND WITSAND Great winter break

The Breede River Resort & Fishing Lodge

This mariner’s haven is situated at the mouth of the mighty Breede River, South Africa’s largest river estuary. The Breede River flows into San Sebastian Bay at Witsand, and is well known for the excellent fishing in the river and at sea. The Lodge itself offers the highest standard at affordable rates with luxurious self-catering units and beautiful double rooms that open up straight onto the lodge’s private harbour. Come visit us! You’ll love it! For more information, visit www.breederiverlodge.co.za or call (028) 537-1631 or fax (028) 537-1650

32 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

• Station 33 crew service a coastline stretching for 250km and a tidal river reach of 40km. (The Breede is the largest navigable waterway in South Africa.) • Crew perform eight launches a month on average, 60 percent of which are for training purposes. • The Witsand locale has fewer than 300 residents, the average age of which is over 65 years. During the seasonal influx, that number rises to around 5 000 and the average age moves down to about 25 – and they keep the crew extremely busy! • Our base is situated at ‘Government Jetty’, a site that has been used for coastal and overseas shipments since 1816. It was one of the first harbours to be established (as Port Beaufort) in South Africa after Cape Town and Port Natal. The original storage shed and customs house still remain. • Witsand is known as the whale nursery of southern Africa, due to the record number of southern right whales that migrate to St Sebastian Bay between June and November every year.

SAFETY

FLARES ‘I THOUGHT I KNEW IT ALL’ ERROL RUTHERFORD FROM POINT YACHT CLUB REVISITS THE IMPORTANCE OF FLARE SAFETY AFTER ATTENDING AN NSRI TALK

PHOTOGRAPHS: SPENCER OLDHAM, STATION 8 (HOUT BAY); SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

have served as an SAS and SAMSA safety officer for about 10 years and, during this time, I have inspected and handled hundreds of different types and makes of flares in the course of doing annual safety inspections. I thought I was well versed in the matter of flares, until I attended a talk and demonstration at Station 5 (Durban) conducted by NSRI volunteer and small-boat instructor Paul Bevis. Paul, who has lectured on flares for the past 23 years, said that Station 5 receives an average of two calls a week reporting the sighting of flares in its area of operation. In his 25 years as an NSRI volunteer, eight of these calls have resulted in the saving of lives. The remaining sightings were from people with good intent but turned out to be flashing lights or people firing flares on the beach as a prank. The growing popularity of Chinese lanterns has added to the number of false reports – from a distance, and to the untrained eye, they are indistinguishable from parachute flares. Paul then displayed the three main types of flares. The float smoke flare is very effective during daytime searches if a helicopter has been deployed. It gives the pilot an excellent reading of wind speed and direction, enabling him to make an upwind approach to the stricken vessel. Then the different makes of hand-held flares were demonstrated. These are good for both daytime and night-time deployment but care must be exercised in handling and using them. Once the pin has been pulled, there is a delay of only a few seconds before the flare ignites. Paul emphasised that a burning flare dropped on board would cause a serious fire, one that would be impossible to put out while the flare is still burning. Once ignited, even if dropped overboard into the water, the flare will continue to burn for its full 45-second firing cycle. Paul demonstrated this to us on the jetty alongside the base. A hand-held flare should be held outboard of the vessel and upwind at about 60 degrees, so that no burning embers will ignite the vessel or its sails. Lastly, parachute flares were discussed. On a clear night, a parachute flare can be seen from as far away as 35nm, but in rain and stormy conditions, they can be very difficult to detect, even at close quarters.

Above and below: Demonstrations assist in creating awareness for safe usage.

When and how often parachute flares should be set off is a decision that would be made depending on the circumstances of the vessel. If requested by the NSRI during a search and rescue, it is important to set off the flare when it is pointing just off the vertical position and pointing downwind, as the flare is designed to fly in an arc into the wind. This will ensure the flare deploys overhead your vessel, as this is the position the NSRI vessel will record. If the flare deploys away from your vessel, this will increase the search area and the rescue time. It was a very valuable evening for gaining knowledge of flares and their different firing mechanisms, as trying to read the instructions on the side of a flare canister at night on a pitching deck in a stressful situation may not have the desired results. Any future talk is a must for all skippers and crew members. On behalf of all of us who attended, our thanks not only to Paul, but also to NSRI crew Jackie, Dave and Omar, who hosted us at a very sociable bring-and-braai at the Durban base. SR

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

REAL LIFE

TRAGEDY

ON THE VAAL

JUNE THIS YEAR MARKED A RARE BUT DEVASTATING EVENT IN THE NORTHERN PART OF OUR COUNTRY. A SUSPECTED TORNADO AND EXTREMELY STRONG WINDS LASHED PARTS OF THE FREE STATE AND THE VAAL DAM. SEA RESCUE CREW ASSISTED DURING THE EMERGENCY

unday morning on 24 June this year was a sad and shocking one for residents of Deneysville, the Vaal Dam and surrounds and parts of the Free State: the night before, tornado-like gale-force winds had ripped through these areas, causing untold damage and loss of life. Emergency services were activated at 18h45 the night before, following the reports, and Sea Rescue volunteers from Station 22 (Vaal Dam) were among those who assisted. Station commander Dick Manten witnessed the personal devastation: ‘A thatch-roofed house collapsed at Rose Bay causing injuries to most of the 14 young adults who were in the house at the time. One, a male, aged 22 succumbed to his injuries despite tireless efforts by paramedics to save him.’ Another five casualties were taken to hospital, suffering from fractures, crush

injuries, breathing difficulties and lacerations sustained when the house collapsed. Others were treated on the scene before being released. In all, three houses collapsed, and Manten Marina in Deneysville was, as Dick explains, ‘ripped apart’. A 7.5-tonne boat was blown off its trailer, a number of boats ripped from their moorings and another two blown off their trailers. Further reports of the devastation were received from Bethlehem and parts of the Free State, where lives were lost and property destroyed as a result of similar weather conditions. ‘We extend our sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and sympathies are expressed to everyone affected by the tragic events. We commend the efforts of all the emergency services who responded,’ Dick adds. SR

WORDS OF SUPPORT, THANKS AND CONDOLENCE All we can say is thank you to all the emergency personnel who responded to the scene: Netcare 911, ER24, Metsimaholo Fire, the NSRI – Deon Pretorius, Johan Geyser and many other guys on standby in Deneysville who were dealing with the problems experienced there. You are all so awesome and your response and dedication to humanity is unsurpassed. I take my hat off to each and every one of you. Kathy Manten Godspeed guys; we will be thinking of you. The crew at Station 25 (Hartbeespoort Dam) As we can only imagine, it must have been hectic during the tornado running wild through Manten Marina, to Rose Bay and onwards, but once again the Manten Team kicked into an (organised) overdrive as always. During all this mayhem, Dicky still managed to phone us to make sure that we were okay, as we (me, my wife and two laaties) were one of the boats that had left the harbour and anchored for the night (less than 1.3nm from Rose Bay). Although we had some minor hiccups due to the storm, it is reassuring to know that we have such a brilliant team looking after us. Thanks Dicky, Kathy, Dirk, Jake and the team. Wynand Dit moes angswekkend gewees het. Ons is dankbaar dat julle veilig is – en dat julle met die gawes wat julle het daar is om ook die hele gemeenskap wat geraak is by te staan. Baie sterkte. Ons dink aan julle. Chris van der Walt So sorry to see this has happened again. We know how hard it was almost 20 years ago. Vasbyt! Rocco and Arona

30 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

IN MEMORIAM

ACROSS THE SEAS

PHOTOGARAPH: GETTYIMAGES.COM, WWW.COASTREPORTER.NET

ON 3 JUNE THIS YEAR, TWO CREW MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUE ORGANISATION LOST THEIR LIVES WHILE ON A TRAINING MISSION. HERE, WE COMMEMORATE THE TWO WOMEN WHO GAVE SELFLESSLY TO THEIR COMMUNITIES AND WHO WILL BE SORELY MISSED

t was with shock, sadness and disbelief that the members of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) organisation heard that two of their members had died tragically while on a training exercise. Their vessel had capsized in Skookumchuck Narrows, and while two of the four crew were helped by another vessel in the area, crew members Beatrice Sorensen and Angela Nemeth (from Station 12, Halfmoon Bay) sadly lost their lives. Condolences poured in for the families of the two women, who hailed from Sechelt in British Columbia, Canada. Beatrice (51) was a mother of two and had lived in Sechelt for 17 years. She worked as the director of finance for Sunshine Coast Community services. Angela (43), also a mother of two, worked at a local radio station, CKAY FM. It was a loss that was felt deeply by the families of the two women, their community and fellow rescue crew, as well as rescue services worldwide. As RCM-SAR president Randy Strandt expressed, ‘This has been an extremely difficult time not only for our crews throughout the region but also

the entire search and rescue community. Support from our colleagues around the world continues to pour in as we deal with the tragic loss of our members Angie Nemeth and Beatrice Sorensen.’ A memorial services was held on 17 June in Sechelt. More than 1000 people attended. These included about 500 emergency responders who came to pay their respects to the two wonderful community-minded women who had a passion for life, family and friends and a passion for volunteering. As Jody Thomas, deputy commissioner with the Canadian Coast Guard, so aptly said, ‘Their passion and their love of the ocean was evident. When a tragedy like this occurs, everyone in the maritime community is greatly affected. There is enormous gratitude for what these women sacrificed for all of us. They did not die in vain. We will remember them and honour them.’ And the numbers in attendance say it all. Says Randy, ’You might say they were ordinary women, just living their lives, but I would suggest to you they were not ordinary at all. You see, ordinary people do not give up their time to assist complete strangers. Ordinary people do not give up evenings and weekends to train and be ready to help others. Ordinary people never put themselves in harm’s way so that others can live. What they did may seem like an ordinary thing, but it is not... People like Angie and Beatrice are the people — the people who ensure that we are safe. They are our heroes.’ NSRI’s CEO, Ian Wienburg, was with Randy and our other international colleagues at the Mass Rescue Conference in Sweden at the time of this tragic incident. ‘It is the gutwrenching news that we all dread and it is a sober reminder that we operate in a high-risk business. Our hearts go out to Randy, our fellow volunteers, Beatrice and Angela’s families, their friends and their community.’ SR

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

FOCUS ON

CARING FOR

OUR CASUALTIES FROM THE EARLY DAYS OF SEA RESCUE OUR VOLUNTEERS HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE AMBULANCE SERVICE. ANDREW INGRAM SPOKE TO DR CLEEVE ROBERTSON, DIRECTOR OF THE WESTERN CAPE’S EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, ABOUT THE LONGSTANDING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO RESCUE ORGANISATIONS

32 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

PHOTOGRAPHS: ANDREW INGRAM, PAULA LEECH

eaning back in his chair at the METRO offices in Bellville, Dr Cleeve Robertson thinks for a few seconds. ‘The relationship between Sea Rescue and the Ambulance service goes back to when the NSRI was formed [in 1967],’ he says. ‘From those days, it was Sea Rescue that brought anyone who was injured to the waiting ambulances.’ Until the Medical Emergency Transport and Rescue Organisation (METRO) was formed by Dr Alan McMahon in 1979, the relationship was pretty simple. NSRI brought the injured to shore and an ambulance took them to hospital. But with Dr McMahon’s unit, the two organisations started to work together more often. When people were injured at sea, Sea Rescue started to take experienced paramedics on the rescue boats to manage patient care. When a car rolled down a sea cliff, the elite METRO Rescue Squad was there to extricate the patient, often asking NSRI to take the injured person to a safe landing place rather than risking a technical rescue back up to the road. If there is one man who can be credited with being the father of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in South Africa, it must be Dr Alan McMahon. Then, in 1990, another young Cape Town doctor started to make his mark in the field of emergency medicine. Dr Cleeve Robertson volunteered with METRO as one of the duty doctors, and together with the paramedics and rescue squad he responded to emergencies across Cape Town. In 1992 he became the principal of the Ambulance Training College, a position that he held until 1996. This was a hugely time-consuming job. His clinical duties on the road were one week on and one week off. At the same time he was responsible for the Ambulance Training College that covered what was the entire Cape Province, from Mafekeng to Cape Town. With South Africa’s 1994 transition, the Ambulance Training College moved from near the Cape Town city centre to Mannenberg; the new province had much smaller

boundaries and advanced trauma life-support courses were started for doctors. A couple of years later, Cleeve left the ambulance service to start an emergency centre at Constantiaberg Hospital. ‘It was a 12-hour day job. Finding locums was difficult so often we just carried on working,’ says Cleeve. A year later he was back with the ambulance service, managing the medical planning for the Cape Town Olympic bid. Through the last years of the ‘90s, together with Dr Wayne Smith, he ran the province’s EMS as there was no official head at that time. This changed in 2001, when Cleeve was appointed as the EMS director.

Left: Dr Cleeve Robertson was part of the team that assisted with bringing an injured sailor to safety after the Chia Ying 6 smashed against the Cape Town Harbour breakwater in September 2001. Below left: The Sea Rescue crew move a patient from a fishing boat to the Spirit of Vodacom in Table Bay. Below right: (left to right) Jaco Niemand (NSRI), Manfred Engelbrecht (METRO), Anton Poplett (NSRI) and Farouk Lutter treat a patient on board Spirit of Vodacom.

FOCUS ON As big a difference to pre-hospital care that Dr McMahon had made, it was Dr Robertson who really pulled the METRO squads closer to Sea Rescue. Cleeve grew up in Bakoven and spent every spare moment that he had paddling a tin canoe off the rocks. ‘In summer most of our time was spent in the water. Our favourite thing was to swim from rock to rock and to fish,’ he smiles. At the tender age of nine, Cleeve was completely comfortable snorkelling. Much later, while completing his medical degree, and then between his clinical standby duties, he still spent every spare moment diving. He did the diving courses that he needed, and more, qualifying as a commercial diving supervisor and a national sports diving instructor – he even wrote an oxygenadministration manual that is still being used 20 years later. With his diving, Cleeve’s love of boats developed, and again he started accumulating qualifications. In the ‘80s he got his skipper’s ticket, then the instructor’s, and since 1987 he has been able to test skipper competency up to 9m for sport and recreational use. He is also a SAMSA boat surveyor. Perhaps one of the biggest revolutions in rescue was the use of helicopters as a rescue platform. ‘In 1991 we had the Netcare Europe Assist helicopter and this changed everything,’ says Cleeve. ‘In 1997 the John Rolfe helicopter was manned by Sea Rescue, METRO and lifesavers. We pioneered new methods of rescuing people from the water using the skills of people from the different organisations. In 2000 we consolidated everything into the Red Cross AMS [Air Mercy Service] Alouette helicopter and, in 2003, AMS had the first dedicated medical rescue helicopter.’ Today the Red Cross AMS helicopter, an Augusta 119, is a highly specialised machine that operates as a rescue platform, as well as a flying intensive-care unit. The technology has improved in quantum leaps, as has the relationship between

“

THE WORK THAT HE HAS DONE FOR SEA RESCUE HAS MADE HIM AS MUCH A PART OF THE NSRI VOLUNTEERS AS THE RED WETSUITS the people in the various services. Much of this is due to the superhuman effort put in by a few people – and at the front is, without a doubt, Cleeve Robertson. Because of the shiftwork required as a METRO doctor, Cleeve has never been an official NSRI crewman. But the work that he has done for Sea Rescue – from assisting with operations, doing medicals for crew, to being the NSRI chief medical advisor and always being available when he is needed – has made him as much a part of the NSRI volunteers as the red wetsuits. There are many things that Cleeve has helped change for the better in the NSRI. Undoubtedly one of the biggest leaps was his lobbying for better medical equipment for the rescue boats and bases, which three years ago translated into a R3-million donation from the Department of Health to fund the muchneeded gear. ‘At sea the NSRI is essentially the ambulance service. That donation provided a significant injection of medical equipment that the volunteers needed,’ Cleeve explains. And now, three years later, he is again trying to help Sea Rescue replace and upgrade the equipment that under such harsh conditions needs to be watched very carefully. Among some of Sea Rescue’s crew who have worked very closely with Cleeve over the years, he has a nickname that has stuck: ‘Dr Bob’ they call him. ‘Because I am always bobbing around the ocean,’ says Cleeve with a chuckle. SR

First aid saves lives Action Training Academy’s courses provide theoretical information and the practical skills required to manage an emergency. A variety of first-aid courses are available, as well as various American Heart Association and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses. Action Training Academy also offers the following: occupational

health and safety management, CPR training, HIV/AIDS awareness, basic firefighting, firefighting management, firefighting equipment servicing emergency evacuation procedures and paramedic courses. Our clients include: Absa, ACSA, Deloitte, DHL, Grindrod, Murray & Roberts, SARS, Spar, Standard Bank, TelkomSA and Transnet.

Visit www.actiontraining.co.za or call (011) 704 6597. Branches: Fourways, Vanderbijlpark, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town

ALWAYS AT THE READY

SHELLY BEACH IS A LIVELY HUB OF A TOWN ON THE KWAZULU-NATAL SOUTH COAST. AND AS IT GROWS COMMERCIALLY, RESIDENTIALLY AND AS A WELCOMING TOURIST RESORT, SO TOO DOES STATION 20’S COMMITMENT TO KEEPING A WATCHFUL EYE ON ALL WATER USERS

tation 20 (Shelly Beach) crew have their work cut out for them. The town is home to the busiest small-craft harbour on the South Coast (the Sonny Evans Small Boat Harbour, where the NSRI base is housed), and is renowned for its excellent rock and surf fishing, diving, canoeing, boat charters for dolphin and whale watching and deep-sea fishing expeditions. It’s not surprising then that the crew have responded to all kinds of rescues and calls for assistance. Their activities, it seems, are as diverse as they are. Ranging in age from 16 to 60-plus, you’ll find plumbers, electricians, bankers, jewellers, students, pensioners and business people making up the 35-crew complement. And there’s no hesitation when calls are made to the duty crew for help – from long heavy tows, beach cleanups, and rescuing pigeons trapped in fishing lines to towing charter boats and jetskis, searching for casualties and assisting local boaters to launch at the Sonny Evans. But none of this would be possible without the dedication of the crew and the hours of training they put in. As StatCom Mark Harlen emphasises, ‘Training is an ongoing process at the base and is something we do not compromise on.’ The station complement is divided into three teams, each lead by a coxswain. The teams are on duty every third week, from Thursday to Thursday. All trainees are allocated to the A team (the training team) for their initial training and, once they have passed their theory and practical exams, as well as a Level 3 first-aid course and a radio course, they are regarded as qualified. They are then allocated to one of the other rescue teams where training continues.

But training is only part of it. The other, is a passion for rescue work, to save lives on our waters and to make a contribution to their community. Mark reports that in 2011, crew ‘carried out a total of 49 operations resulting in two lives saved from certain death, 39 people rescued, nine boats towed to safety and another seven boats assisted. This does not include first-aid assistance rendered to people who were injured on boats or in the vicinity of the base.’ New Year’s Day this year was the busiest day of the holiday season with the NSRI responding to 18 call outs. And Station 20 didn’t escape the frenzy! The duty crew rescued two swimmers in difficulty off Port Shepstone beach and, barely an hour later, rescued another three off Margate beach. ‘It’s easy to put a rand value on our operations because we are financially accountable for the funds we receive from donors and sponsors, but it’s not so easy to put a value on an operation that saved a life, prevented a loss of life or prevented serious damage to expensive vessels,’ Mark notes. The station also runs the WaterWise programme in the area. So far this year, the programme has reached about 90 young people, including a group from Gauteng. Station 20 may not be the biggest or the busiest station on South Africa’s coastline, but when you need them, you can count on them to drop whatever they are doing to take care of you. SR Crew (in wetsuits) from left to right: Mark Harlen, Wayne Harlen, Jeremiah Jackson, Shaun Harris and Pieter Coetzee.

SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

MASTERS OF DISGUISE

CUTTLEFISH CUTTLEFISH ARE THE CHAMELEONS OF THE SEA AND HAVE GRACED OUR WATERS FOR MILLIONS OF YEARS, SAYS GEORGINA JONES. PHOTOGRAPHS BY GEOFF SPIBY

A cuttlefish assumes the warning-off pose.

ost people know them only by the bleached oval husks washed up on the beach and given to budgies as beak sharpeners. These cuttlebones are actually the buoyancy organs of cuttlefish, the chameleons of the sea. More than 400 million years ago, cuttlefish and their ancient relatives ruled the oceans. Shelled nautilus-like animals jetted through the Ordovician oceans preying on primitive sharks and weird invertebrates. Following a devastating ice age, bony fish evolved, and fin power turned out to be more efficient than jet propulsion. Many species became extinct under this wave of competition; we know of them today only through the fossil record. The survivors developed heavy shells for protection, or, as in the case of cuttlefish, evolved invisibility. Modern-day cuttlefish are highly intelligent animals, with astonishing camouflage skills. Not only can they adapt their colour to ‘blend’ into their environments, but they can also alter the shape of their skin using a fantastic system of musculature. It’s an act many science-fiction heroes would covet and has military organisations dreaming of developing similar systems. Cuttlefish are stealth hunters, lurking near the bottom of the ocean on reefs in wait for unwary prey, such as fish, snails, worms and crabs. Many of the hundred or so species alive today have a venomous beak to subdue or kill prey. One, the flamboyant cuttlefish, is itself toxic, having a unique toxin in its tissues that is as lethal as that of the notorious blue-ringed

36 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

octopus. Cuttlefish have eight arms and two hunting tentacles that surround the mouth and beak. The hunting tentacles are kept in pouches around the mouth and are extended in a V above their heads before striking and capturing prey. Their bodies are flattened and have fins that run down the sides. These aid in controlling movement, although their primary means of locomotion is jet power. Water is squeezed out of the body through a directional siphon, propelling them backwards in shorts bursts. They have no fewer than three hearts: one for each gill and the third to pump blood around their bodies. This blood is a greenish-blue because instead of mammalian haemoglobin, cuttlefish have an oxygen-transporting pigment called haemocyanin. This pigment contains copper, hence the colour of the blood, and since it is less efficient than iron at transporting oxygen, cuttlefish blood must move rapidly around their bodies. Cuttlefish have eyes similar to humans’, but the pupils are like a smoothly curved W. Unlike humans, cuttlefish change eye focus by reshaping their entire eye rather than just the lens. They also have spots on their retinas that enable them to look backwards. Though their eyes can see polarised light, they are colour-blind. This seems strange, given their extraordinary colourchanging abilities. Cuttlefish communicate using colour and pattern, and also use their adaptable skins for stealth hunting and their own protection from the large fish and marine mammals that find them a delicious meal. They are capable of changing colour in an instant, and use both colour and gesture for communication. A vividly coloured cuttlefish with extended hunting tentacles is warning off intruders. It may be that their ability to perceive polarised light enhances their perception of contrasts and so, although they see a world of monochromes, it is one of very finely differentiated shades of grey. When mating, a male cuttlefish will approach another cuttlefish, flashing bright patterns. If the other cuttlefish is a receptive female, she will go pale, indicating willingness to mate. If the opposing partner is male (it’s difficult, even for cuttlefish, to tell male and female animals apart) or an unreceptive female, it will flash in bright colours as an indication to the initiating cuttlefish to move on. Mating occurs head to head, and the

PHOTOGRAPHS: GEOFF SPIBY

THE BIG BLUE male transfers packaged sperm to the female. The packages absorb water and burst, releasing the sperm. The female releases her eggs for fertilisation and then covers them with protective mucus. The encapsulated eggs are laid like black grapes in clusters and attached by stalks to a sea fan or seaweed. The babies hatch as fully formed juveniles that grow rapidly, mate and then die. Cuttlefish seldom live much longer than a year. Colour-changing is extraordinary, with no less than five different colours of pigment cells. The xanthophores are yellow and are found nearest the skin surface. Erythrophores are red and orange, found below the yellow cells, while melanophores are brown or black, and are found just above the iridophore (blue and green) layer. Leucophores reflect white light. The pigments are under muscular control, and cuttlefish open and close these pigment cells to change the colours reflecting off their skins. There are up to 200 chromatophores per square millimetre of skin, giving cuttlefish a colour flexibility that high-definition television manufacturers must envy. They can also alter the polarisation of the light they reflect – important for communicating with other cuttlefish, hunting and escaping predators. Recent studies at cuttlefish mating grounds off the Australian coast have shown that not only do cuttlefish change their colour in daylight while mating, but they also change colour to blend in with their environments at night-time in total darkness. Researchers are hoping to establish just how closely cuttlefish are able to mimic their surroundings, given the visual abilities of their predators. Not only do cuttlefish alter their skin colour, they can also change the shape of their skins. Bands of circular muscle near the surface of the skin can contract, squeezing the liquid in their centres so that a node or spike is formed. This alters their outlines so that they resemble rock or kelp, further disappearing into their environments. If their invisibility fails, cuttlefish can fall back on squirting

an ink, known as sepia, into the water to confuse predators and hopefully allow the cuttlefish to make its escape. Sepia has been used as an ink by humans for centuries, although these days it has been replaced with synthetic sepia. In cuttlefish, it works in several ways: sometimes as a smokescreen behind which the cuttlefish can make its escape; at other times, the dark ink is jetted out in a smaller cloud with a high mucus content at the same time as the cuttlefish makes itself pale. These blobs of ink are known as pseudomorphs and have been seen to confuse predators like baby turtles into attacking the dark ‘body’ while the pale cuttlefish escapes. Molecular investigation of the ink has led some researchers to suggest that biologically active chemicals in the ink also serve to disorientate predators by numbing their chemosensory organs.

“

CUTTLEFISH ARE STEALTH HUNTERS LURKING NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN IN WAIT FOR UNWARY PREY As for the cuttlebones, they’re much more than simply a calcium supplement for a caged bird. Each species of cuttlefish has a unique cuttlebone. Some species are only known to science as a distinctive cuttlebone. These chambered structures are made of calcium carbonate and cuttlefish use them to regulate their buoyancy. This is done by changing the gas-to-liquid ratio in the chambers, a mechanism copied by submarines. The chambers implode at depths of between 200m and 600m, so cuttlefish are confined to shallower coastal waters. Having developed invisibility, this is a negligible limitation on these supreme disguise masters. SR

Below: A common cuttlefish (Sepia vermiculata) merges into a Cape reef. Right: Cuttlefish mate head to head. Bottom right: Flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) are brightly coloured, probably to warn predators of their toxicity.

STN 8 • HOUT BAY StatCom: Craft: Needs:

STATION DIRECTORY

THE NSRI IS MANNED BY 980 VOLUNTEERS AT 32 BASES AROUND THE COAST AND ON THREE INLAND DAMS. OUR VOLUNTEERS HAVE DAY JOBS, BUT WILL ALWAYS RESPOND TO YOUR EMERGENCY.

Brad Geyser (082 372 8792 MTU Nadine Gordimer – 10m deep-sea rescue craft, Albie Matthews – 7.3m RIB, Nedbank Rescuer – 4.2 RIB 4 Musto suits, 4 Gath Gedi DS1 helmets, 4 Icom M36 radios

STN 9 • GORDON’S BAY StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Nigel Pepperell (083 625 0481 Jack Riley – 14m deep-sea rescue craft, Spirit of Surfski – 5.5m RIB, Inge – Swedish Rescue Runner Data projector and screen

STN 10

• SIMON’S TOWN

StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

Darren Zimmermann (082 990 5965 False Bay Yacht Club Spirit of Safmarine III – 10m deep-sea rescue craft, Eddie Beaumont II – 5.5m RIB 4 marine torches (LED and as bright as possible)

STN 11 • PORT ALFRED STN 2 • BAKOVEN Bruce Davidson (082 990 5962 Spirit of Rotary Table Bay – 6m rescue craft Folding table, 32-inch flat-screen TV/monitor

StatCom: Craft: Needs:

STN 3

• TABLE BAY

StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

Paula Leech (082 990 5963 Total Spirit of Vodacom – 13m deep-sea rescue craft, Rotary Endeavour – 5.5m RIB Flat-screen TV (for training)

STN 4 • MYKONOS StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Darius van Niekerk (082 990 5966 Spirit of Freemasonry – 9m deep-sea rescue craft, Gemini Rescuer II – 5.5m RIB, Loved 1s 24: – 4.2m RIB Laptop, waterproof torches, waterproof camera

STN 5 • DURBAN StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Clifford Ireland (082 990 5948 Eikos Rescuer II – 10m deep-sea rescue craft, Megan II – 7m RIB, Spirit of Svitzer – 3.9m RIB Data projector, screen, bar stools, couches

STN 6 • PORT ELIZABETH StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Ian Gray (082 990 5970 Spirit of Toft – 10m deep-sea rescue craft, Eikos Rescuer IV – 7.3m RIB, Boardwalk Rescuer – 4.2m RIB Data projector, urn, cupboard, crew lockers

STN 7 • EAST LONDON StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Geoff McGregor (082 990 5972 Spirit of Lotto – 13m deep-sea rescue craft, Spirit of Rotary East London II – 5.5m RIB, Lotto Rescue Runner Canvas/tarpaulin drops to close in verandah

StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Juan Pretorius (082 990 5971 Lotto Challenger – 8.5m deep-sea rescue craft, 5.5m RIB (still to be named), Discovery Rescue Runner 5 Data projector and screen, waterproof camera

STN 12 • KNYSNA StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Graeme Harding (082 990 5956 Colorpress Rescuer – 8.5m RIB, Jaytee III – 5.5m RIB, Spirit of KYC – 4.2m RIB Air compressor

STN 14 • PLETTENBERG BAY StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Deon Truter (082 990 5975 Ian Hepburn – 7.3m RIB, Sally Joan – 5m RIB, Airlink Rescuer – 4.2m Zapcat, Discovery Rescue Runner 2 Toolkit, masks, snorkels and fins (variety of sizes)

STN 15 • MOSSEL BAY StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

Dawie Zwiegelaar (082 990 5954 Total Vodacom Rescuer – 9m deep-sea craft, Vodacom Rescuer II – 5.5m RIB, Vodacom Rescuer IV – 4.2m RIB Workbench, tools, safety door

STN 16 • STRANDFONTEIN StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Mario Fredericks (082 990 6753 Spirit of GrandWest CSI – 5.5m RIB, I&J Rescuer III – 4.7m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 3 Funds for waterproofing and painting the base, router

STN 17 • HERMANUS StatCom: Henk Henn (082 990 5967 Craft: South Star – 10m deep-sea rescue craft, Hunters Gold Rescuer – 5.5m RIB, Spirit of Le Jenmar II – 4.2m RIB Needs: Sponsor to repaint building

TO REACH NSRI AFTER HOURS, PLEASE CALL MERIEL BARTLETT ON 082 994 7555 OR CRAIG LAMBINON ON 082 380 3800.

STN 18 • MELKBOSSTRAND

STN 27 • VICTORIA LAKE, GERMISTON

StatCom: Rhine Barnes (082 990 5958 Craft: Spirit of the Vines – 6.5m RIB, Men’s Health Rescuer – 4.2m Zapcat, Discovery Rescue Runner 4 Needs: Karcher high-pressure hose

StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

STN 19 • RICHARDS BAY

STN 28A • PORT ST JOHNS

Dorian Robertson (082 990 5949 Spirit of Richards Bay – 12m deep-sea rescue craft, Spirit of Round Table – 7m RIB, Rotary Ann – 4m RIB Painting and waterproofing of boathouse interior

StatCom: Craft: Needs:

STN 20

• SHELLEY BEACH

StatCom: Mark Harlen (082 990 5950 Fuel sponsor: Caltex Craft: Caltex Endeavour – 7.3m RIB, Caltex Challenger II – 5.5m RIB, Spirit of Le Jenmar I – 4m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 8 Needs: Toolbox on castors with drawers, green paving paint

STN 21 • ST FRANCIS BAY StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

Marc May (082 990 5969 CBF Motors, Humansdorp Spirit of St Francis II – 8.5m RIB, Eikos Rescuer I – 5.5m RIB Sea bags for crew

STN 22 • VAAL DAM StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

STN 24A • LAMBERT’S BAY

STN 25 • HARTBEESPOORT DAM Rod Pitter (082 990 5961 Sasol Afrox Rescuer II – 5.5m RIB Office equipment, medical supplies

STN 26 • KOMMETJIE StatCom: Craft: Needs:

StatCom: Needs:

André Beuster (082 990 5980 Toolbox, concertina-type safety gate, extractor fan

STN 30 • AGULHAS StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Reinard Geldenhuys (082 990 5952 Vodacom Rescuer VII – 8.5m RIB, I&J Rescuer II – 4.7 RIB Data projector for training room

STN 31 • STILL BAY StatCom: Craft: Needs:

StatCom: Craft: Needs:

STN 34

Ron Selley (082 922 4334 Private vessels are used for rescues

StatCom: Fuel sponsor: Craft: Needs:

STN 29 • AIR SEA RESCUE

Enrico Menezies (082 990 5978 Spirit of St Francis – 7.3m RIB, Colorpress Too – 4.2m RIB 2 17-pitch cleaver Yamaha props, shark-attack kit

Mick Banks (082 990 5951 Wild Coast Sun Rescuer – 7.3m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 6 UPS (uninterruptable power supply)

STN 33 • WITSAND

Hennie Niehaus (082 990 5955 Spirit of Rotary 100 – 5.5m RIB, Serendipity – 4.2m RIB, Die Swart Tobie – 4.2m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 1 Varnishing of rescue base

StatCom: Craft:

John Costello (082 550 5430 Walvan Rescuer – 4.2m, Freemason’s Way – 5.5m RIB

STN 32 • PORT EDWARD

Dick Manten (083 626 5128 Sasol Harvey’s Fibreglass – 5.5m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 11 Waterproof camera

STN 23 • WILDERNESS StatCom: Craft: Needs:

StatCom: Craft:

Graham Hartlett (082 441 6989 Sasol Vodacom Rescuer V – 4.7m RIB Whiteboard for training

Tom Coetzee (082 990 5979 Spirit of Winelands – 5.5m RIB, FNB Wavescapes – 4.7m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 7 2 air hoses (8m) with connections

StatCom: Craft: Needs:

STN 36 StatCom: Craft: Needs:

STN 37 StatCom: Craft: Needs:

Attie Gunter (082 990 5957 Queenie Paine – 5.5m RIB, Falcon Rescuer – 4.5m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 9 2 typist’s chairs, dehumidifier, waterproof head torches

• YZERFONTEIN Rudi Rogers (082 498 7330 Rotary Onwards – 7.3m RIB, Spirit of Iffley – 4.2m RIB, Discovery Rescue Runner 10 Funds towards new boathouse

• OYSTER BAY Mark Mans (083 653 6387 Pierre – 4.7m RIB, Oyster Bay I 4x4 tractor (can be second-hand), heavy-duty trailer

• JEFFREYS BAY Rieghard Janse van Rensburg ( 071 896 6831 Two jetskis, Discovery Rescue Runner 12 Torches

OTHER USEFUL ITEMS FOR OUR CREW AND STATIONS • Blankets and towels (eg from PEP stores) for casualties are always useful. • We also welcome any prizes that can be used for fundraising events. To assist with the above, please call our head office on (021) 434 4011.

FOR GENERAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL NSRI’S HEAD OFFICE IN CAPE TOWN ON (021) 434 4011.

Winia Janse van Rensburg, 34, won the ladies’ event.

FUNDRAISING

GO, STILL BAY! EVERY YEAR, RESIDENTS OF STILL BAY GET TOGETHER FOR THE ANNUAL 10KM FUN RUN IN AID OF SEA RESCUE

18-year-old Mauritz Tuit ran away with first prize for the men’s event.

The Still Bay NSRI 10km Fun Run is held annually on 31 December, and starts from the NSRI base at Still Bay harbour. The event is open to runners and walkers and all proceeds are donated to Station 31 (Still Bay). In 2011 R15 900 was raised. Make sure you don’t miss this year’s event – and then you can join Station 15 (Mossel Bay) the following day for our New Year’s Day fun run.

COMMENTS FROM THE RUNNERS: ‘Ons het ons gate uit geniet, en wat ‘n lekker oggend! Sien julle hierdie jaar weer!’ ‘Hier in die baie warm Polokwane sal ek wat wil gee om nou langs die rivier te draf, hoor! Ek en Michelle is baie trots op onsself – dit was ons eerste 10km.’ ‘Ek, my man, Gerhard, en ons tweeling van 10 jaar oud het die 10km gehardloop en dit was fantasties! Dit was die tweeling se heel eerste 10km – iets wat ons altyd sal onthou! Baie dankie vir julle reëlings en die puik organisasie!’ ‘Dit was goed georganiseer en veilig, so selfs ons kinders kon deelneem. Deelnemers het maklik die inskrywingsfooi betaal omdat dit ook vir ‘n goeie doel was.’ ‘Well-organised race. Beautiful route. Next to the sea for a long time. The first 7km is on hard surfaces, then 3km on hiking trails in the dunes. The most scenic 10km.’ Thank you to the sponsors: Tabeel, Turbovite, Lifegain Sport, Herold Wines, Oasis Water, Cupz Cafe, On the Rocks Steakhouse, Bay Beauty Salon, Atlas Sport, Still Fishing, Denis Insurance Administrators, Drie Pikkewyne Restaurant, Basic Body, Spar Still Bay. Special thanks to the organiser, Nico Steenekamp.

40 SEA RESCUE • WINTER 2012

CTICC 12-14 OCTOBER 2012

Cape Town International

South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier showcase for all its yachting & watersport products

Exciting after noon sp racing yachts!ent sailing

Check that air!!!

Home

rnings getting Many perfect mowake action a loads of

Whoooo-hooooo!

Uncle Jim at

the end of a

long fight

Dana Whiting: dana@impactexpo.co.za OR Johnny Malherbe: jm@impactexpo.co.za Tel: +27 (0)82 411 8769 OR +27 21 531 5703 Visit us @ www.capetownboatshow.com

CITY OF CAPE TOWN

ISIXEKO SASEKAPA

STAD KAAPSTAD

DISCOVERY takes a bow as a four-year partnership comes to an end

PHOTOGRAPHS: RRAD PHOTOGRAPHY

After a fruitful four-year long partnership with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Discovery handed over their final batch of Rescue Runners on 21 April 2012. Discovery has provided assistance to the NSRI for the past four years by donating three rescue runners every year. To date they’ve donated twelve runners to the NSRI to enable rescues at sea and to make sure South African waters are safe – which aligns with their core purpose of enhancing and protecting people’s lives. The handover took place at the NSRI’s Jeffreys Bay station in Port Elizabeth. The runners were launched in an event attended by members of the media, Discovery’s Head of Sponsorships Jody Foster, Station Commander Rieghard Janse van Rensburg and the CEO of the NSRI, Ian Wienburg.

‘Discovery is truly honoured by the fruitful partnership that we have enjoyed with the NSRI over the past few years as both organisations serve the common purpose of keeping people healthy and safe. We hope that the organisation will continue its efforts in ensuring that South African seas are safe for its citizens,’ said Jody Foster, Discovery Head of Sponsorships. The rescue runners are located at the following Sea Rescue stations: Port Alfred, Strandfontein, Melkbosstrand, Shelley Beach, Vaal Dam, Wilderness, Kommetjie, Witsand, Yzerfontein, Jeffreys Bay, Plettenberg Bay and Port Edward.