A COUPLE and their Schnauzer were rescued from their sinking ship about 90 minutes from Durban by the Durban NSRI on Monday, 24 August.
At about 5.40pm, Transnet National Ports Authority informed the NSRI duty crew of a request for assistance made by another vessel in the vicinity, MV Kishore.
The MV Kishore was waiting for assistance for the yacht, See Brok, which had been found after discharging red flares. The See Brok had no motor or electrical power and damage to its main sails.
According to NSRI Durban station commander, Clifford Ireland the See Brok was crewed by Mr and Mrs Lubbe who were travelling with their dog. They were due to arrive in Durban port at noon, but at about 10.30am, they began taking on water and sinking.
“NSRI Durban launched the sea rescue craft Eikos Rescuer II and on arrival, at approximately 10.45pm, a tow-line was rigged and the yacht was towed towards Durban’s port in rough sea conditions with a 15 to 20 knot north-easterly wind and three metre swell.
The sea rescue craft attempted to get water extrication pumps onto the yacht but shortly thereafter, the couple and their dog abandoned their yacht and were rescued aboard the sea rescue craft. The couple and their dog, a Schnauzer, were all wearing life-jackets and were not injured. The yacht sunk,” said Ireland.
“According to the couple, originally from Cape Town, their yacht got into difficulty shortly after launching from Zululand Yacht Club, Richards Bay, where they were residents on their yacht, on Sunday, 23 August.
They reportedly drifted without motor or electrical power under a make-shift sail before setting off red distress flares.
Both crew members aboard See Brok and their dog were reported to be safe and the MV Kishore was released to continue on her voyage.”
The South African Maritime Safety Authority and police are investigating.
