Big naval exercise ready to roll

IF a catastrophe should ever occur off the northern KZN coastline, now is the time to see exactly how methodical the navy operates in partnership with the air force, local government, law enforcement agencies, rescue organisations and the port authority to weather the storm.

On Monday the South African and French naval forces on three warships were welcomed to Richards Bay, ready to test their collaboration efforts during the Exercise Oxide operation between 21 September and 2 October.

The biannual international defence exercise will simulate a distressed passenger liner scenario about 20 kilometres offshore from Richards Bay, requiring a comprehensive search and rescue mission and a high value target extraction at sea.

‘Because both South Africa and France have a vested interest in protecting maritime trade in the Indian Ocean, the concept of mutual collaboration in terms of training for search and rescue under the framework of Exercise Oxide was established 12 years ago,’ said SA Navy Commander Cara Pratten.

Teamwork

The SA Navy and the South Indian Ocean Naval Forces stationed in La Reunion, protect the shipping lanes in the Mozambique channel against piracy, human and child trafficking as well as illegal fishing and poaching activities.

‘The main operation in this case will be search and rescue, which will involve collaborating with the SAPS and border police, the National Sea Rescue Institute and the Richards Bay port, among other authorities,’ said Exercise Oxide Task Group Commander, Captain Musawenkosi Nkomonde.

‘We hope to develop and maintain our common objectives with the French forces by co-operating and learning from this experience,’ said Nkomonde.

French Navy Commander Francois Xavier Waroux said his fleet is looking forward to working with the SA teams.

‘We are very happy to train with such a modern navy, especially with our common interests in protecting the Indian Ocean.

‘We thank the City for the warm welcome we received this morning.’

Port Manager Preston Khomo offered both naval forces the port’s full co-operation throughout the exercise.

‘We are honoured to host an activity of this nature and magnitude.

‘This operation offers us assurance, that if an emergency situation hits us, we are in good hands.’

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