The NSRI was called in to search for and assist two military rigid inflatable boats last week, after the craft had not arrived at its destination at the scheduled time.
Reinard Geldenhuys, NSRI Agulhas station commander, reported the NSRI Agulhas duty crew was activated on Wednesday 30 November to assist in a search for the two vessels.
“The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Agulhas was launched, while an additional NSRI rescue craft was towed to Arniston where it was launched.
“During the search we found both military craft about 2 nautical miles off-shore of Arniston.”
One of the military RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) reportedly was in trouble after experiencing mechanical failure. The second RIB that went to its rescue, and had the first boat under tow, became short of fuel.
“We took both RIBs under tow,” said Geldenhuys. “We towed one to Struisbaai, where the boat was recovered, and we towed the other safely to Arniston without incident. No further assistance was required.”
