Couples assisted sailing into the Port of Richards Bay

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) rescues distressed couples sailing into Richards Bay

2 minutes ago

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

NSRI Richards Bay rescues distressed couples at sea PHOTO: NSRI/Facebook

A New Zealand couple sailing into the Port of Richards Bay were assisted on Monday after their yacht suffered a motor failure.

On their arrival at the Port of Richards Bay, in the harbour channel, the husband and wife requested help after their motor failed to start.

“We requested them to put to anchor and await the arrival of our rescue craft.

“The NSRI rescue craft Ocean Guardian was launched, and on arrival on the scene we towed the sailing yacht to safe moorings at the international quay, without incident, and no further assistance was required,” said NSRI Richards Bay station commander Norman Rautenbach.

In a separate incident on Sunday, the Richards Bay duty crew came to the aid of a British couple.

They needed assistance to make best use of the Spring high tide to get their sailing yacht across the normally shallow channel from the small craft harbour to moorings at the Zululand Yacht Club.

“In strong north-easterly winds, they requested the assistance of NSRI to make safe passage across the channel to safe moorings.

The NSRI rescue craft Ocean Guardian was launched.

“On arrival at their side, we rafted alongside their sailing yacht, assisting them into the channel, into deeper waters, and they made their way safely to the yacht club where they moored, without incident, and no further assistance was required,” said Rautenbach.

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