NSRI

25/07/2025

Join us for our Open Day and drowning prevention awareness at the Hermanus Country Market or at our rescue station in the New Harbour—and stay for live CPR demonstrations by our crew!

We will be at the Hermanus Country Market from 09:00 to 14:00, and at our rescue base from 09:00 to 16:00.

12/07/2025

A small change making a big difference, the NSRI is introducing compact new tractors to tow JetRIBs, easing the load on crews and boosting efficiency on the sand. With better traction, lower maintenance, and diesel-powered reliability, these tractors are set to become essential gear at stations nationwide. 🚜🌊

See more: https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/06/a-new-workhorse-for-jetrib-launches-at-the-nsri/

11/07/2025

Congratulations to Mr. Jones Lekhu — winner of the first Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in our Cars4Good Competition!

Thank you to everyone who entered. And remember — there are still 3 more cars up for grabs - you could be as lucky as him!

10/07/2025

When the air raid siren sounds over Plettenberg Bay, Station 14 springs into action — and within 13 minutes, they’re on scene. A recent rescue of five people from a sinking boat proves just how vital that speed is. With precision teamwork, rapid gear-up, and a WWII-era siren still leading the charge, this is Sea Rescue at its most prepared. 🚨🌊

See more: https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/06/every-second-counts-how-the-plett-nsri-crew-reaches-a-rescue-in-just-13-minutes/

09/07/2025

Congratulations to Veenesh Dhayalam, the winner of our Cape Town Peninsula Hotel Competition. We hope you enjoy your getaway!
Thank you to all those who entered!

09/07/2025

At 15h10, Sunday, 6 July, NSRI Durban duty crew and Red Line Response ambulance services were placed on alert by MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) to prepare for a medical evacuation operation of a 36 year old Indian male seafarer from a 375 meter motor vessel oil tanker headed towards Durban.

MOSSEL BAY:Andre Fraser, NSRI Mossel Bay duty coxswain said:

08/07/2025

What began as a calm fishing trip in early May turned into a life-or-death struggle for Durban paddlers Ameer and Ahmed. Separated by fatigue and swept by wind, one made the toughest call, to leave his friend and get help. Thanks to NSRI Durban and the quick-thinking crew of Medavu SA, both men were rescued and reunited. Their story is a powerful reminder of courage, community and the lifesaving value of being prepared. 🛶🌊

See more: https://www.nsri.org.za/2025/06/from-calm-waters-to-crisis-why-the-nsri-recommends-every-paddler-use-safetrx/

07/07/2025

On Saturday morning, at approximately 01h00, a body was discovered in the Kowie River, Port Alfred.

At 01h42, Friday, 27 June, NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a person missing at East Beach.

06/07/2025

A local fisherman is missing after reportedly being swept off rocks near to the Gordons Bay Battery, near to Rocky Bay, between Gordons Bay and the Steenbras River Mouth.

A search is ongoing for a fisherman swept off rocks by waves while angling from the shoreline.

06/07/2025

A 37 year old man is missing following a reported shark incident at Mfazazana, near Hibberdene, KZN South Coast.

Police divers are continuing in ongoing search efforts for a missing man.

02/07/2025

From June 19–22, crews from Stations 3, 5, 6 & 17 took on Maritime Extrication Training. Mastering high-angle rescues, rope systems, and night ops using advanced gear.

From theory to a full dark extraction scenario, every moment pushed skills and teamwork to the next level.

Huge thanks to the VSC team, and to Danie & Rian for leading a safe, intense, and unforgettable course

01/07/2025

The local 65 year old man, much loved to the local community and to NSRI, surf-skiing on the river with a friend, appeared to suddenly and unexpectedly fall out of his surf-ski near to the jetty.

Stéfan Grové, NSRI Stilbaai station commander, said:At 15h58, Monday, 30 June, NSRI Still Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a local man in…

30/06/2025

📸 Got a great shot of the NSRI in action? Send it in and you could win a R250 NSRI shop voucher!
Email your best high-res photo (2MB+) to news@searescue.org.za with ""Monthly photo"" in the subject line.

🌟 Congrats to May’s winner, Kym Herne, for capturing 5-year-old Logan Kinsey proudly wearing his NSRI supporter shirt! We hope one day he’ll swap it for a red wetsuit. ❤️💪

T&Cs apply | Competition closes on the 25th of each month

30/06/2025

NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a person missing at East Beach. It appears that three friends, two males and a female, Rhodes University students, had gone swimming at East Beach when all three may have been caught in rip currents.

At 01h42, Friday, 27 June, NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a person missing at East Beach.

04/06/2025

This post is to thank Willem de Bruyn. For the past term, Willem served as Station Commander for Station 17. We appreciate his incredible leadership and dedication to his crew and the institute.

Edrich Kotzé - Station Commander:
"I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside Willem on numerous callouts and through countless hours of training. His dedication, calm leadership, and willingness to lead by example have left a lasting mark on all of us. Few people embody selflessness and commitment the way Willem does.

I’ve learned more from him—about leadership, seamanship, and integrity—than I could ever capture in words.

Willem, thank you for keeping our station on a steady course. It’s an honour to step into the role you’re handing over, and I will do my utmost to uphold the standard you’ve set."

26/03/2025

On Saturday, March 15th, Station 17 conducted a series of vital training exercises.

These included casualty transfers, pacing drills, MOB (man overboard) drills, firefighting techniques, and various Class 4 helming maneuvers.

We concluded the session by practicing an essential method for bringing a vessel without propulsion safely into the harbor. This involved towing R17A to the harbor, detaching it from the tow, and rafting it alongside R17 before maneuvering into position.

These training sessions are invaluable for our crew, and we couldn’t carry them out without the generous support of our donors.

On behalf of everyone at Station 17, Thank you for your ongoing support!

28/11/2024

Training is a priority here at Station 17, and it is even more critical for our Class 4 vessel, 17 Bravo. Class 4 vessels are typically used for fast response in situations where a shallow draft and quick actions are essential, such as surf rescues.

17B is a purpose-built Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat with a jet drive, Which the NSRI has aptly named it the “JetRhib.”

Thank you to all the donors who make what we do possible!

14/11/2024

Take a peek into the action of a recent sea-based training session at Station 17!

We launched R17 and R17A for emergency drills and other practical training for our training crew.

If you would like to be a volunteer at Station 17 and are between the ages of 16 and 74 visit…

https://www.nsri.org.za/forms/sea-rescue-volunteer

18/09/2024

NSRI pyrotechnics exercise has been postponed until furher notice.

UPDATE on NSRI training exercise: Training postponed until further notice

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NSRI training exercise set for 18 September

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 17 in Hermanus will conduct a pyrotechnics training exercise on the evening of 18 September 2024.

The exercise will involve the launch of six 1000-foot parachute flares.

The purpose of this exercise is to train the crew in the safe and effective handling of pyrotechnics and to educate them on identifying flare sightings, particularly in response to potential flare sighting calls.

Location: 2 Nautical Miles due South of Hermanus Harbour
Start Time: Between 20:00 and 20:30
End Time: 21:00

Pyrotechnics to be Launched: Three 1000-foot parachute illumination flares and three 1000-foot red parachute flares.

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

17/09/2024

UPDATE ON WEDNESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER:
The NSRI training exercise that was scheduled to take place tonight between 20:00 and 21:00, 2 Nautical Miles due South of Hermanus Harbour has been postponed until further notice due to adverse weather conditions.

NOTICE BY OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY:

NSRI training exercise set for 18 September 2024

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 17 in Hermanus will conduct a pyrotechnics training exercise on the evening of 18 September 2024.
The exercise will involve the launch of six 1 000-foot parachute flares.
The purpose of this exercise is to train the crew in the safe and effective handling of pyrotechnics and to educate them on identifying flare sightings, particularly in response to potential flare sighting calls.
Location: 2 Nautical Miles due South of Hermanus Harbour
Start Time: Between 20:00 and 20:30
End Time: 21:00
Pyrotechnics to be Launched: Three 1000-foot parachute illumination flares and three 1000-foot red parachute flares.
END/EINDE

19/08/2024

On Saturday Rescue 17 and Rescue 17A braved the cold and had an incredible training session. Casualty transfer is an essential element to a successful rescue operation especially
in the foul weather. Using a dummy the crew practiced transferring it from R17A to R17.

📸Mark McLagan

18/07/2024

Pink Rescue Buoys are an essential part of our mission to save lives on South African waters, with their many locations along our coastline as well as inland they are proving vital in that mission.

To find out more visit
https://www.nsri.org.za/water-safety/pink-rescue-buoys

13/07/2024

08/07/2024

We appeal to the public to follow SAWS (South African Weather Services) forecast weather updates and adhere to SAWS weather warnings.