Anglers rescued after boat capsized
The anglers were brought back to shore by other boats in the area
THREE men were rescued off the coast of Richards Bay on Sunday after their ski boat capsized, leaving them stranded in the water for 20 minutes.
The trio had been fishing nine nautical miles north of the Richards Bay harbour mouth when a wave broke onto their boat Wishway while it was at anchor.
According to Gerrie Delport, Richards Bay Ski Boat Club Commodore, who is also the club’s safety officer, the anglers were able to retrieve the bag containing their safety gear and set off a smoke marker.
‘They were in the sea for about 20 or 25 minutes until two boats came to their rescue after seeing the smoke marker,’ said Delport.
‘The wore their life jackets and were uninjured when they were brought back to the ski boat club, where we gave them refreshments and looked after them.
‘They were in good spirits and were even joking about having gone for a swim.’
As the club’s safety officer, Delport was called to the club soon after the incident and he liaised with both the NSRI and port control.
Sea Rescue craft Spirit of Round Table II was launched and by that stage knew they were locating only the drifting boat after being informed the crew was safely ashore.
‘On arrival on the scene NSRI searched for the 16 foot capsized ski boat along the drift of the currents and found it further north,’ said Jean Slabbert, NSRI duty controller.
‘The ski boat was righted and towed to the ski boat club.
‘No further assistance was required.
‘The whole rescue went very smoothly. There was good communication between the club, the NSRI and port control the whole time,’ said Delport.
‘All official procedures were followed and we are just thankful that there were no injuries.’
The boat was not damaged, but the anglers lost their fishing gear and personal possessions.
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