NSRI Station Commander speaks of most memorable sea rescues
The NSRI is not just for boaters, the organisation needs volunteers from all walks of life
Robertson first became involved with the NSRI when he was just 15 years old.
Now, 33 years later, the Station Commander of NSRI Station 19 looks back on the many rescues in which he has been involved.
‘I first joined NSRI as a volunteer in 1984, thanks to my mother who suggested I go check it out,’ said Robertson.
‘I joined up straight away and haven’t looked back.’
He has been mostly involved at the Richards Bay NSRI station but volunteered in Durban for two years while studying.
Among the many rescues and call-outs in which he has been involved, he recalls two of the most memorable.
‘In 1989,when I was based at the Durban NSRI station, a yacht called Burnt Edge ran aground on the Bluff, just south of Durban.
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‘That was the first actual rescue of people I was involved in, and we managed to successfully remove the two people aboard the yacht to safety.’
For his involvement in the rescue, Robertson was given a letter of appreciation from NSRI in Cape Town.
‘About three years ago I was among the Richards Bay NSRI members who towed a commercial vessel into port.
‘The vessel was off Sodwana Bay and an apparent lightning strike had caused it to lose all power.
‘We were called out to help. This rescue saw us at sea for about 26 hours, but we managed to get the vessel safely to Richards Bay.’
Robertson has completed many training courses through the NSRI, including the usual skippers tickets, as well as a SA Search and Rescue course and Bridge Watching course.
A technical officer with Openserve, Robertson looks forward to many more years’ involvement with the NSRI and encourages more youngsters to get involved.
The NSRI is not just about going out to sea. Many skills are needed to keep the station operating and the organisation is always on the lookout for more volunteers with diverse skills.
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