NOT for the first time, the NSRI base at Richards Bay has suffered roof damage from a New Year’s Eve flare that could have literally brought the house down.
Quick reaction from Station 19 crew members, who were fortunately at the base when the flare burnt through the metal roof shortly after midnight, prevented further damage to the property.
They also stopped possible serious damage to their flagship rescue craft ‘Spirit of Richards Bay’, which was parked on the slipway immediately below where the flare broke through and ignited the roof.
‘It was moments after midnight as people started the tradition of firing off flares. I was on the balcony and heard one hit our roof,’ said NSRI crew member Brynn Gericke.
‘After our previous experience two years ago, we knew we had to move smartly.
‘I shouted to other members inside the base and started opening Spirit’s door so we could let the boat out, while another member started hosing down the roof where the flare had already burnt through.
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‘Other crew scrambled onto the roof with a fire extinguisher and we did a quick temporary repair job.
‘Luckily there is no lasting damage to our boat, only some waxy residue from the burning inner roof sheeting, which we can remove,’ said Gericke.
‘We recently spent R100 000 to replace our entire roof and the company who did the job has kindly come forward to do a patch job with the same sheeting, so we are very thankful for that.’
Annual danger
While the lighting of flares is tolerated only on New Year’s Eve, so as to get rid of old, unstable flares and to add to the night spectacle, many are not aware of the dangers they pose.
‘Most of the time people have never shot one off before and have no idea of the force with which it takes off.
‘They also do not consider wind direction and where the flare might land,’ said Gericke.
‘We also spotted one bouncing off a nearby roof.
‘Speaking to the local yachting community, they tell how they spend the night on their boats on watch, in case one lands on their vessel.’
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