Red flare helps save two lives

17/05/2023

NRSI marine rescue teams summoned by a red flare helped save two lives of a couple in the water at Gordons Bay, South Africa.

NSRI Gordons Bay crew responded to reports that a RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat), had capsized near Harbour Island and a man and woman were in the water. NSRI rescue swimmers, GB Med ambulance services and the EMS rescue squad also assisted. A red distress flare was activated by a bystander.

The husband and wife were both wearing lifejackets but were being swept away by the sea currents.

The NSRI rescue craft Boetie Woltemade was launched from the NSRI Gordons Bay rescue station.

Meanwhile, a fishing boat reached the female. She hung onto the side of the catamaran, while a crewman clung onto her, and the skipper negotiated two to three-metre waves. She was then lifted onto the fishing boat and safely taken to the harbour dock.

The man, who was being battered against rocks in the sea swells, was rescued by a GB Med paramedic. He was taken safely ashore.

The husband and wife were reunited and treated for minor cuts and bruises and hypothermia.

The rescue team was commended for saving two lives.