VAAL DAM – Multiple sailing vessels were caught in severe distress when an unpredictable storm swept across the Vaal Dam on Sunday afternoon during a scheduled sailing event.

Bradley Naicker, NSRI Vaal Dam Station Commander, detailed the dangerous conditions: “The unexpected change in wind direction and increased wind speeds, accompanied by a heavy rain storm and severe lightning, resulted in multiple sailing vessels and sailors requiring immediate assistance.”

The first alarm involved a Hobie Cat sailing craft. Two sailors had been flung from their vessel into the water. NSRI rescue craft quickly pulled both individuals to safety, recovering them onto the vessel.

Their Hobie Cat was then secured alongside the rescue craft and towed safely back to shore.

Roughly one nautical mile away, the NSRI crews responded to a second incident involving a capsized sailing vessel.

Upon arrival, they discovered the two sailors had already been rescued by a “Good Samaritan” who had intervened immediately.

The two casualties were transferred onto the NSRI craft, where they received urgent treatment for hypothermia.

Moments later, a third capsized vessel was located. A solo sailor was struggling in the water, attempting to right the craft alone.

An NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed to assist the sailor, successfully securing the sails and righting the vessel.

As the successful operation concluded, weather conditions fortunately began to improve.

The NSRI highly commended the swift actions of the Good Samaritans who selflessly assisted the distressed sailors during the crisis.