NSRI

22/10/2026

A Week of Life-Saving Missions: Every week, our volunteer rescue crews respond to emergencies across South Africa, from our coastlines to inland waters.
Here’s a look at some of the rescues, images, and moments from the past week that reflect their courage, skill, and unwavering commitment to saving lives. To read more incredible stories from the world of the NSRI, visit our news page here: https://www.nsri.org.za/news-stories

22/10/2026

After nearly two decades in the NSRI fleet, the *Spirit of Vodacom* has a new home.

Following a four-month refurbishment in Cape Town, the vessel has made the journey to Station 15 Mossel Bay, where she will now serve as Rescue 15.

With greater range and endurance, her arrival strengthens the station’s ability to respond to incidents along the coastline and further offshore.

After 19 years of answering the call, this is the beginning of her next chapter.

Read the full story of Rescue 15’s journey to Mossel Bay: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/09/a-new-chapter-for-the-spirit-of-vodacom-rescue-vessel/

21/10/2026

At 14h29, Monday, 19 October, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were placed on alert to prepare for a maritime medical evacuation operation for 3 male seafarers injured on board a 292-meter bulk carrier motor vessel at anchorage offshore of Richards Bay.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/nsri-richards-bay-wednesday-21-october-a-maritime-medical-evacuation-operation-of-2-injured-seafarers/

21/10/2026

🗳️ Our Witbank Dam crew needs your vote!

Volunteer crew at NSRI Station 35 Witbank Dam have been named one of 10 finalists for the People’s Choice Award at the International Maritime Rescue Federation Awards 2026. They are the only South African finalists this year.

The nomination recognises a demanding night rescue. The crew travelled 140 km to reach four people trapped at the edge of the 40-metre Grootdraai Dam spillway. In the dark, in strong winds and fast-flowing water, they adapted as conditions changed and brought all four people to safety.

They now stand alongside nominees from seven countries, including the RNLI, the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, Coastguard New Zealand, Marine Rescue NSW and China’s Beihai No.1 Rescue Flying Team.

This award isn’t decided by judges. It’s decided by you. 💙

👉 Vote here (it takes less than 20 seconds): surveymonkey.com/r/2026PCAward

Voting closes at midnight on 30 October 2026, and the winner will be announced on 25 November at the IMRF Conference in Saint-Malo, France.

Please vote, share this post and help us show the world what our volunteers do.

20/10/2026

A 48-year-old man from Belgium is expected to be discharged from hospital today after a non-fatal drowning incident at a remote beach between Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay on Monday afternoon. The man, on a cycling holiday with his family, is believed to have been caught in rip currents while swimming.

A 48-year-old man from Belgium is expected to be discharged from hospital today after a non-fatal drowning incident at a remote beach between…

20/10/2026

On Saturday morning, NSRI Port Nolloth volunteers on a routine training exercise responded when a local mining vessel raised concern for three of her crew who had gone ashore on their RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) and had not been heard from. All three were found safe in the harbour.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/mining-vessel-crew-assisted-after-rhib-loses-motor-power/

20/10/2026

55 years of service. Two remarkable NSRI journeys.

In 1971, Pat van Eyssen and Ian Hamilton began their journeys with the NSRI.

Pat was 19 when he joined after being invited to a training session. Ian helped establish what would become Station 15 Mossel Bay, despite having little experience with boats or the sea.

Five and a half decades later, both have seen the NSRI grow from an organisation working with limited resources into a world leader in search and rescue.

Along the way, there have been difficult rescues, lives saved and countless moments that have stayed with them. But for both Pat and Ian, it has always come back to the people and the difference volunteers can make.

55 years on, their commitment remains an extraordinary example of what it means to volunteer.

Read their stories and discover just how far the NSRI has come: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/09/pat-van-eyssen-and-ian-hamilton-celebrate-55-years-of-service/

19/10/2026

NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated following a request for medical assistance from a group of hikers reporting that a female in their group was suffering an injury and unable to continue on the walk.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/injured-hiker-rescued-from-robberg-nature-reserve-by-nsri-plettenberg-bay/

19/10/2026

https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/nsri-richards-bay-monday-19-october-a-man-is-missing/

NSRI – Richards Bay – Monday, 19 October. A man is missing:


Norman Rautenbach, NSRI Richards Bay station commander, said:

At 17h33, Sunday, 18 October, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Main Beach, Alkanstrand, Richards Bay.

Reports indicated 2 persons appearing to be in distress in the surf zone, caught in rip currents.

NSRI rescue swimmers, our NSRI rescue vehicle, the SA Police Service, Police Search and Rescue, uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue Services and Mounties EMS (Emergency Medical Services) responded.

While responding further eyewitness emergency calls indicated that one man had managed to reach the shore and one man had gone missing in the surf zone.

On arrival on the scene, it was confirmed that one man, age 26, was safely ashore and his friend, age 27, had gone missing after last being seen in distress appearing to be caught in rip currents in the surf zone.

An extensive search has revealed no signs of the missing man.

Police have opened an investigation.

It appears that while swimming the 26 year old may have been caught in rip currents when his friend reportedly tried to assist him but he was then caught in the rip currents.

Paramedics attended to the 26 year old and after being medically assessed he required no further medical care.

Police Search and Rescue are continuing in ongoing search efforts for the missing man.

Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.

NSRI – STATION 19, Richards Bay.NSRI – Richards Bay – Monday, 19 October. A man is missing: Norman Rautenbach, NSRI Richards Bay station commander,…

19/10/2026

In swells of up to 5 metres, NSRI Table Bay crew hoisted a seriously injured seafarer from a 229-metre cargo ship 12 nautical miles offshore on Saturday, 17 October, bringing him safely back to land and into the care of paramedics.

NSRI Table Bay carried out a maritime medical evacuation of a seriously injured 30-year-old Filipino seafarer from a 229-metre cargo ship, 12 nautical…

17/10/2026

💙

❤️ SOME AWARDS ARE DIFFERENT.

Some recognition isn't about what's on a plate, how good the view is, or where we like to spend a Saturday afternoon.

It's about people helping people.

🏆 COMMUNITY HERO / BESTE PLAASLIKE HELD

Our nomination results recognised:

❤️ NSRI Station 30
❤️ LUV 4 Pets
❤️ Meals on Wheels

Whatever happens next, this is one category where every nomination tells a story. Follow us to get the voting link which will be shared as soon as all finalists have been announced.

👏 Thank you for what you do for our community.

11/08/2026

At 08h01, Monday, 10 August, NSRI Agulhas duty crew were placed on alert to prepare for a maritime medical evacuation operation and crew transfer, later…

21/06/2026

Winter Solstice Cold Plunge 2026 ❄️🌊

Thank you to everyone who showed up, took the plunge, and supported the event.
Your participation and community spirit made it a fantastic morning despite the winter chill!

We appreciate every one of you. See you at the next plunge! 💙

21/06/2026

❄️ Brave the Cold – Struisbaai Winter Solstice Swim 2026 ❄️

Think you've got what it takes?

Join us on Sunday, 21 June 2026 at 12h30 at Struisbaai Harbour as we celebrate the shortest day of the year with an unforgettable icy dip in support of our local heroes at NSRI Station 30 Agulhas.

Whether you're diving into the chilly ocean, dipping a toe, or cheering from the sidelines, this is a fun community event for all ages. Gather your friends and family, dress up if you're feeling adventurous, and help us show our appreciation for the volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping our coastline safe.

Every splash makes a difference.💙

For donations and more information:
https://www.givengain.com/event/winter-solstice-swim-2026-5141
https://www.nsri.org.za/rescue/base/agulhas/

See you at the harbour as we brave the cold together!

14/05/2026

NSRI Station 30 and NSRI Station 17 were deployed to assist civilians trapped inside their homes as water levels continued to rise. Teams later split up to respond to further emergencies, including assisting a truck driver whose vehicle became stranded in what initially appeared to be “just a puddle of water” — a reminder of how dangerous floodwater can become within minutes.

We also attempted to rescue animals caught in the flooding. Despite prolonged efforts, rapidly rising water levels and strong currents forced us to make the difficult decision to abort the operation for the safety of our crews.

Thank you to every volunteer, emergency service member, and community member who assisted during these operations. Please continue to avoid flooded roads and waterways — the danger is often far worse than it appears.

14/05/2026

NSRI Station 30 and NSRI Station 17 were deployed to assist civilians trapped inside their homes as water levels continued to rise. Teams later split up to respond to further emergencies, including assisting a truck driver whose vehicle became stranded in what initially appeared to be “just a puddle of water” — a reminder of how dangerous floodwater can become within minutes.

We also attempted to rescue animals caught in the flooding. Despite prolonged efforts, rapidly rising water levels and strong currents forced us to make the difficult decision to abort the operation for the safety of our crews.

Thank you to every volunteer, emergency service member, and community member who assisted during these operations. Please continue to avoid flooded roads and waterways — the danger is often far worse than it appears. Nsri Hermanus Station 17

02/05/2026

Ideal conditions for training at sea today.
The crew focused on Maritime Emergency Care, Veering down and closed loop communication.

Great day with valuable lessons learned!

13/04/2026

11.04.2026

On 11 April 2026, we came together with our crew and their families for a well-deserved evening around the braai — celebrating the year that was and everything our station achieved in 2025. ❤️

From long hours on duty to moments of teamwork, growth, and unforgettable rescues, this night was about recognising the people behind it all.

👏 Congratulations to all our award recipients — each one a reflection of dedication, spirit, and the unique personalities that make our crew so special:

🏆 Crewman of the Year – Alex
🏆 Cox of the Year – Shaun
🏆 Trainee of the Year – Micah
🏆 The Lighthouse – Liza
🏆 Spirit of the Year – Ignus
🏆 The Wipeout – Jaco
🏆 The Full Throttle – Mari
🏆 The Bow Stuffer – Aidon
🏆 The Dory – Zak

Thank you to every crew member and family who forms part of this incredible community. Here’s to another year of service, teamwork, and saving lives at sea. 🌊🚤