NSRI Agulhas rescue vessels were activated on Sunday 1 May, following reports of a rigid-hull inflatable craft with six people on board suffering engine failure.
Reinard Geldenhuys, NSRI Agulhas station commander, confirmed the duty crew was activated at 13:15 on the day to respond to the boat experiencing difficulties inshore from Langezandt near Strsuibaai.
He added: “The sea rescue craft Spirit of Agulhas was put on alert to launch while our NSRI jet-rib Sea Ranger 17 was launched. While responding, additional reports suggested the distressed craft was drifting towards the shoreline. “On our arrival we found the skipper had managed to get the boat’s engines started and, accompanied by our sea rescue craft, they were able to get back to Struisbaai harbour without incident and no further assistance was required.”