February 17, 2012: The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is run by 980 highly skilled, unpaid volunteers who are on standby day and night throughout the year, and kindly give of their skills and expertise. Donations and sponsorships cover the heavy annual running cost of about R25 million. By carrying out their invaluable work, it’s estimated the volunteers save the institute a salary bill in excess of R250 million a year.
In the picture: Trevor Wishart, winner in the 2011 competition
There are 32 coastal and three inland rescue bases, a fleet of 92 rescue craft, 27 vehicles and access to a range of helicopters. Through a strong team effort and good working relationship with other emergency services, many lives have been saved down the years.
By donating R550 you could win TWO Mitsubishi vehicles as first prize, and help lend your weight to this great service. The number of tickets are limited to 26 000. Second prize is a trip for two to Spain, including grand-stand seats to the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix and superior three-star beach-resort accommodation.
To participate, contact Leon Fourie at the NSRI Call Centre on (021) 430 4727 or send an email to carcomp@searescue.org.za
NSRI History
The urgent need for a sea rescue organisation in South Africa was highlighted in 1966 when 17 fishermen drowned after their trawler sank near Still Bay in the Western Cape due to the lack of a rescue service.
Following this incident, Patti Price (whose own life had been saved by life boat rescue in the British Channel) began a committed letter-writing campaign to motivate the formation of a sea rescue organisation. Captain Bob Deacon and Ray Lant were the first volunteers to respond to this call. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was established in 1967 when it acquired its first rescue craft – a 4.7m inflatable boat called Snoopy donated by the Society of Master Mariners.