NSRI

22/10/2026

A Week of Life-Saving Missions: Every week, our volunteer rescue crews respond to emergencies across South Africa, from our coastlines to inland waters.
Here’s a look at some of the rescues, images, and moments from the past week that reflect their courage, skill, and unwavering commitment to saving lives. To read more incredible stories from the world of the NSRI, visit our news page here: https://www.nsri.org.za/news-stories

22/10/2026

After nearly two decades in the NSRI fleet, the *Spirit of Vodacom* has a new home.

Following a four-month refurbishment in Cape Town, the vessel has made the journey to Station 15 Mossel Bay, where she will now serve as Rescue 15.

With greater range and endurance, her arrival strengthens the station’s ability to respond to incidents along the coastline and further offshore.

After 19 years of answering the call, this is the beginning of her next chapter.

Read the full story of Rescue 15’s journey to Mossel Bay: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/09/a-new-chapter-for-the-spirit-of-vodacom-rescue-vessel/

21/10/2026

At 14h29, Monday, 19 October, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were placed on alert to prepare for a maritime medical evacuation operation for 3 male seafarers injured on board a 292-meter bulk carrier motor vessel at anchorage offshore of Richards Bay.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/nsri-richards-bay-wednesday-21-october-a-maritime-medical-evacuation-operation-of-2-injured-seafarers/

21/10/2026

🗳️ Our Witbank Dam crew needs your vote!

Volunteer crew at NSRI Station 35 Witbank Dam have been named one of 10 finalists for the People’s Choice Award at the International Maritime Rescue Federation Awards 2026. They are the only South African finalists this year.

The nomination recognises a demanding night rescue. The crew travelled 140 km to reach four people trapped at the edge of the 40-metre Grootdraai Dam spillway. In the dark, in strong winds and fast-flowing water, they adapted as conditions changed and brought all four people to safety.

They now stand alongside nominees from seven countries, including the RNLI, the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, Coastguard New Zealand, Marine Rescue NSW and China’s Beihai No.1 Rescue Flying Team.

This award isn’t decided by judges. It’s decided by you. 💙

👉 Vote here (it takes less than 20 seconds): surveymonkey.com/r/2026PCAward

Voting closes at midnight on 30 October 2026, and the winner will be announced on 25 November at the IMRF Conference in Saint-Malo, France.

Please vote, share this post and help us show the world what our volunteers do.

20/10/2026

A 48-year-old man from Belgium is expected to be discharged from hospital today after a non-fatal drowning incident at a remote beach between Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay on Monday afternoon. The man, on a cycling holiday with his family, is believed to have been caught in rip currents while swimming.

A 48-year-old man from Belgium is expected to be discharged from hospital today after a non-fatal drowning incident at a remote beach between…

20/10/2026

On Saturday morning, NSRI Port Nolloth volunteers on a routine training exercise responded when a local mining vessel raised concern for three of her crew who had gone ashore on their RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) and had not been heard from. All three were found safe in the harbour.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/mining-vessel-crew-assisted-after-rhib-loses-motor-power/

20/10/2026

55 years of service. Two remarkable NSRI journeys.

In 1971, Pat van Eyssen and Ian Hamilton began their journeys with the NSRI.

Pat was 19 when he joined after being invited to a training session. Ian helped establish what would become Station 15 Mossel Bay, despite having little experience with boats or the sea.

Five and a half decades later, both have seen the NSRI grow from an organisation working with limited resources into a world leader in search and rescue.

Along the way, there have been difficult rescues, lives saved and countless moments that have stayed with them. But for both Pat and Ian, it has always come back to the people and the difference volunteers can make.

55 years on, their commitment remains an extraordinary example of what it means to volunteer.

Read their stories and discover just how far the NSRI has come: https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/09/pat-van-eyssen-and-ian-hamilton-celebrate-55-years-of-service/

19/10/2026

NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated following a request for medical assistance from a group of hikers reporting that a female in their group was suffering an injury and unable to continue on the walk.
https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/injured-hiker-rescued-from-robberg-nature-reserve-by-nsri-plettenberg-bay/

19/10/2026

https://www.nsri.org.za/2026/10/nsri-richards-bay-monday-19-october-a-man-is-missing/

NSRI – Richards Bay – Monday, 19 October. A man is missing:


Norman Rautenbach, NSRI Richards Bay station commander, said:

At 17h33, Sunday, 18 October, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Main Beach, Alkanstrand, Richards Bay.

Reports indicated 2 persons appearing to be in distress in the surf zone, caught in rip currents.

NSRI rescue swimmers, our NSRI rescue vehicle, the SA Police Service, Police Search and Rescue, uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue Services and Mounties EMS (Emergency Medical Services) responded.

While responding further eyewitness emergency calls indicated that one man had managed to reach the shore and one man had gone missing in the surf zone.

On arrival on the scene, it was confirmed that one man, age 26, was safely ashore and his friend, age 27, had gone missing after last being seen in distress appearing to be caught in rip currents in the surf zone.

An extensive search has revealed no signs of the missing man.

Police have opened an investigation.

It appears that while swimming the 26 year old may have been caught in rip currents when his friend reportedly tried to assist him but he was then caught in the rip currents.

Paramedics attended to the 26 year old and after being medically assessed he required no further medical care.

Police Search and Rescue are continuing in ongoing search efforts for the missing man.

Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.

NSRI – STATION 19, Richards Bay.NSRI – Richards Bay – Monday, 19 October. A man is missing: Norman Rautenbach, NSRI Richards Bay station commander,…

19/10/2026

In swells of up to 5 metres, NSRI Table Bay crew hoisted a seriously injured seafarer from a 229-metre cargo ship 12 nautical miles offshore on Saturday, 17 October, bringing him safely back to land and into the care of paramedics.

NSRI Table Bay carried out a maritime medical evacuation of a seriously injured 30-year-old Filipino seafarer from a 229-metre cargo ship, 12 nautical…

13/08/2026

⏳ THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! ⛳🏌️‍♀️

Only 22 DAYS TO GO until the NSRI East London Golf Day! 🏌️‍♂️🏆

📅 04 September 2026
📍 East London Golf Club

Have you booked your four-ball yet? 👀

Get your golfing crew together for a fantastic day on the greens, some friendly competition, great prizes and, most importantly, the chance to support the lifesaving work of the National Sea Rescue Institute. 💙🌊

⛳ 4-Ball Packages: R2,300 per team
🏆 Great prizes to be won!
📣 Sponsored Holes: From R1,500

📞 Book your four-ball:
East London Golf Club
☎️ 043 735 1356

🏆 Want to sponsor a prize?
Showcase your brand while supporting a great cause and helping save lives at sea.
📞 Contact: 083 226 0265

💙 Proudly supported by Mitsubishi Motors.

👇 LET’S HEAR FROM YOU!
🏌️ Tag the three golfers you’d want in your four-ball.
🏆 Who in your team is taking home the bragging rights?
📲 Share this post with your golfing crew and get your team booked!

One great cause. 💙⛳

12/06/2026

🏌️‍♂️⛳ TEE OFF FOR A CAUSE! ⛳🏌️‍♀️

Join us for the NSRI East London Golf Day and enjoy a fantastic day on the greens while supporting the lifesaving work of the National Sea Rescue Institute.

📅 04 September 2026
📍 East London Golf Club

🏆 Great prizes to be won!
👥 4-Ball Packages: R2,300 per team
⛳ Sponsored Holes: From R1,500

Whether you're a seasoned golfer, a weekend enthusiast, or a company looking to support a worthy cause, this is an event you don't want to miss!

📞 Book your four-ball today:
East London Golf Club
☎️ 043 735 1356

🏆 Want to sponsor a prize?
Showcase your brand while supporting a great cause and helping save lives at sea.
📞 Contact: 083 226 0265

📲 Scan the QR code on the poster or visit:

https://www.nsri.org.za/events/east-london-golf-day-sponsored-by-mitsubishi/

💙 Proudly supported by Mitsubishi Motors.

👉 Tag your golfing partners and challenge them to join your four-ball!
👉 Share this post and help us make a difference.
👉 Limited four-ball packages available – book early to avoid disappointment!

16/11/2024

Today is our open day! Come down and join us for some fun ☀️

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5WyxynxhVHTEoG7v8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

18/10/2024

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐒𝐑𝐈 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲!

We’re inviting the entire East London community to the NSRI {Station 7} Base on Saturday, 16th November 2024 from 09h00 to 16h00 for a fun-filled day!

Enjoy FREE entry, boat rides, boerie rolls, and more. It’s a great way to learn about what we do and spend time with the family. Head down to the NSRI Base and see what East London's rescue crew is all about!

𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞: NSRI Station 7 Base, East London
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 09h00 – 16h00
𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲: Free!

Don’t miss out!

14/10/2024

We love when the weather is kind to us ☀️. A great day out on the water for our sea crew during a training session.

If you are interested in joining our next trainee intake, send us an email at [email protected]

13 October 2024
Buffalo River

01/10/2024

Great day of training out on the ocean. This is Station 7’s largest vessel aptly named Rescue 7.

28/08/2024

𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄

𝐍𝐒𝐑𝐈 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 & 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞

Get ready for a day of fun, excitement, and maritime challenges at this year’s 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞. Gather your team of 4 and prepare to tackle 7 thrilling challenges that will put your sea rescue and maritime skills to the test (don't worry, this is all land-based 😉).

Details and entry info will be available on the official NSRI website from the Mid September 2024! While you wait, sharpen your rescue skills and start rounding up your crew.

Join us in supporting the East London (Station 7) NSRI unit and make this weekend one to remember!

09/08/2024

Happy Women’s Day to all the ladies at Station 7!

Have a wonderful day and remember your worth ♥️🩵