At 23h30, Tuesday, 16th September, NSRI Hermanus volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following reports from the Overberg Fire and Rescue Services of a rubber-duck with motor failure being swept out to sea off-shore of Gansbaai with recreational scuba divers onboard.

NSRI Hermanus volunteer sea rescue duty crew launched the sea rescue craft SOUTH STAR and responded. Telkom Maritime Radio Services broadcast an all ships alert for any vessels in the area to be on alert for the drifting rubber duck and to assist if possible. On arrival in the area, in the vicinity of Dyer Island, following a search, NSRI Hermanus located a 5.5 meter rubber duck 4.5 nautical miles off-shore of Gansbaai and being swept further out to sea in the North Westerly winds with 11 men onboard and with their boats motor failed. 

All 11 men, from Masakhane, Gansbaai, were brought ashore safely by NSRI Hermanus without incident and no one was injured.

The operation was completed at 05h30 on Wednesday.

Craig Lambinon