Father and daughter rescued after jet-ski breakdown

On Saturday morning, a jet-ski excursion at Alkantstrand turned dangerous for a father and daughter who became stranded 3.7km offshore.

At 8.19am, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responded to their distress call.

“Our duty crew responded to NSRI Richards Bay Station 19 rescue base where we launched the rescue craft Spirit of Round Table II,” said Norman Rautenbach, Station 19 deputy station commander.

“While approaching the casualties, a local private vessel, RockaBilly, arrived on scene and rescued the female from the water,” said Rautenbach.

“The male was taken aboard our rescue craft and the girl was transferred from the private vessel onto our rescue craft. She was treated for hypothermia.

“RockaBilly private vessel, her skipper and crew, are commended for their assistance.

“We took the jet-ski under tow and brought them to Richards Bay Ski Boat Club where their craft was recovered.

“By that stage, the young lady had been warmed and they required no further assistance.

“It appears that the jet-ski’s motor may have failed while they were out at sea, causing them to get into distress,” concluded Rautenbach.

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