A party boat carrying about 100 passengers, including some injured, was rescued from Hartbeespoort Dam during a storm last night.

The Hartbeespoort National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), working with AfriForum Hartbeespoort, responded to an emergency call at 18:50, reporting that the Harties Party Boat was in distress in the middle of the dam with injured people on board.

“We were on alert due to gale-force winds in the area. We immediately activated our boats and arrived at the vessel soon after. Several injured passengers and traumatised children were transferred to the NSRI rescue boat and safely brought to shore at the Ifafi Aquatic Club, where Hartbeespoort Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) was waiting. AfriForum Hartbeespoort also assisted,” says Arthur Crewe of the Hartbeespoort NSRI.

Water had been flooding the party barge, and water pumps were used to remove it. The remaining passengers were towed to the Ifafi boat club at 21:00, and injured individuals were treated by paramedics.

“The NSRI commends the swift response and assistance from AfriForum Hartbeespoort and HEMS,” Crewe adds.

The incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities.