Tag Archives: NSRI

Press review – December 2015

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With 2016 now officially upon us I spent the morning wading through some of the news headlines of the closing weeks of 2015.  To be honest there was very little good news.

Droughts continue to wreak havoc on our agricultural sector with little relief in sight as soaring temperatures prevail and the chances of rain are minimal.

The NSRI had their hands full over the festive season trying to keep members of the public safe on the beaches and in the water. Yet again too many holiday makers lost their lives in our oceans during the holiday season.

More arrests were made in connection with perlemoen poaching along the Western Cape coastline with an estimated R3 million worth of perlemoen being confiscated and the story of the Seli 1 which ran aground in Table Bay in September 2009 has still not come to an end with the vessel now discharging lumps of coal along the beach at Blouberg.

With all this negativity constantly surrounding us it is hard to start the year with a positive spirit.  One can only hope that as an industry members of the maritime sector can work together to focus on areas where changes can be made and move towards a prosperous and positive 2016.

Weekly Press Review – 28 August 2015

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Exciting news for the local fishermen of Lamberts Bay as they will soon have the opportunity to become owners of a new crayfish processing factory in the area.

According to the press, local businessman, Gerrit Burger, has purchased an unused factory in the area and is in the process of fitting it with the necessary equipment to process crayfish on site.

As soon as the new crayfish quotas are announced in February, quota holders will be given the opportunity to apply for free shares in the fish factory.

Burger, owner of Delevex 279, realised that all locally caught crayfish in Lambert’s Bay was being transported to St Helena Bay for processing. This meant that the only income for local fishermen came from the sale of the crayfish to the St Helena factories. Why could the fish not be processed locally, thereby offering fishermen the chance to make a further profit from the processed fish and at the same time create new job opportunities in the area?

Burger is hoping to have the factory open later this year for a trial period, but the process of shareholding will only take place in the new year, once the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has settled the new quotas.

NASA research has revealed that ocean levels have risen a massive 22cm in some areas since 1992.

The press has reported the findings which state that continued global warming and the accelerated melting of the ice caps is responsible for the rise in water levels, and oceans will be facing  an unavoidable rise of up to 1 metre in the future.

The information is gathered by NASA scientists based on satellite measurements over a 23 year period.

Steve Nerem from the University of Colorado in the USA said, “Given what we know now about how the ocean expands as it warms, it is pretty certain that we are locked into at least three feet (91cm) of sea level rise, and probably more.  But we don’t know whether it will happen within a century or somewhat longer.”

The NSRI has been called to action again this week with the press reporting on an incident that took place earlier in the week in Richard’s Bay.  The NSRI were called out to rescue a couple and their dog after their yacht sank shortly after launching from the Zululand Yacht Club.

A tow-line was attached in an attempt to tow the yacht towards Durban, but the vessel began taking on water and started to sink.

The couple and their dog were rescued.

Weekly Press Review – 29 May 2015

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In sad news the press has reported that the search for the two fishermen who went missing after their boat capsized over the weekend has still produced no conclusive results.

The fishermen were reported as missing after their boat capsized in dense fog off Lamberts Bay.  The boat had a crew of four on board.  After the boat capsized all four clung to the boat and must have fallen asleep.  On arrival, members of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) were informed that two of the crew were missing.

NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon reported that none of the crew had life jackets and there was no emergency equipment on board the boat.

The two surviving fishermen were treated for hypothermia at a nearby hospital and their condition is described as serious, but stable.

The search for the two missing fishermen continues.

A reminder of the daily danger that fishermen subject themselves to in order to put food on the table.

Also in the press this week is the news that state oil company, PetroSA has asked three of its top executives to take special leave pending an investigation into their performance.

The news comes on the back of the company’s declining revenues, particularly a failed bid to enter the fuel retail market and a loss of R1.2 billion for the financial year 2013/2014.

PetroSA spokeswomen said that they were in discussion with the three executives and an interim management team might be appointed.

PetroSA is following in the footsteps of Eskom who also suspended its chief executive and three other executives to allow for an inquiry into the utility’s performance.

Weekly Press Review – 17 April 2015

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The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has made headlines this week with the announcement that they will be embarking on a nationwide project to start a drowning register.  Although this may sound like a rather grim undertaking, over 2,000 people drown in South Africa each year and it is believed that this project will provide an up-to-date and real reflection of the problem.

NSRI Chief Executive Cleeve Robertson said, “We don’t have accurate current data, but we estimate that more than 2,000 adults and children die in water every year in South Africa.”

Meriel Bartlett, an NSRI executive director added, “If we can understand the worst areas for drownings, we can better understand how to address the problem.”

A high number of drownings occur in the 9 – 14 year age group and the NSRI currently runs a training programme, the Water-Wise Academy, targeting water safety issues in classrooms across the country.  The programme was started in 2006 and has reached over 700,000 children thus far, primarily in under privileged areas.

Bartlett believes that the programme should be a permanent part of the school curriculum.

The beloved navy dog Just Nuisance is soon to be honoured in both a new book and a full length feature film.  According to the press, a film about the legendary British Royal Navy dog will soon begin shooting in South Africa. All proceeds from the film will go to local charities and youth groups.

The launch of the book, Able Seaman Just Nuisance, will take place at the Simon’s Town Museum this weekend. According to Sherri Rowe of Dumb Dog Productions, “Our relationship with the Simon’s Town Museum and their staff adds an authentic dimension to the film.  The museum has on exhibit his original collar, enlistment papers and much more.  We are tremendously excited to bring this project to fruition.”

Weekly Press Review – 26 September 2014

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Hout Bay beach has made headlines this week.  The beach has been closed since late last week after standard water tests revealed high levels of E.coli.

According to Benedicta van Minnen of the mayor’s office, the cause of the high E.coli levels may not necessarily be only due to human waste in the Disa River which flows through Hout Bay.  She stated that, after the heavy rains at the end of the rainy season, the storm water flowing into the sea can also raise the E.coli levels.

The NSRI was in the news again this week after rescuing a sailor who fractured his hand and arm whilst on board his vessel.

The Anna M was sailing from Cameroon to Singapore when a 41-year old Turkish sailor fell 5 metres on board his vessel and required medical assistance.  The vessel headed for Cape Town to arrange for the evacuation of the sailor.

Pat van Eyssen NSROI Table Bay station commander said, “Our NSRI Table Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew launched our sea rescue craft accompanied by two Western Cape Government Health EMS rescue paramedics and responded.”

The sailor is being treated at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital.

Results of studies done by Nasa regarding the thinning of the ice in the Arctic sea grabbed also attracted some media attention.  Ice readings are at their sixth lowest since recording began in 1978.

Nasa tracks sea ice from space, as well as performing airborne field research.  Operation IceBridge operates flights over the Arctic and has been measuring sea ice and ice sheets for several years.

According to Walter Meier, researcher at Nasa’s Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland, “It is so much thinner than it used to be, it is more susceptible to melting.”

Weekly Press Review – 1 August 2014

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Perlemoen rights are back in the press this week with Minister Senzeni Zokwana (DAFF) making the announcement that all existing perlemoen rights’ holders have been granted the right to continue fishing for another year.  The existing perlemoen rights expired on Wednesday.

Fisheries management consultant, Shaheen Moolla was quoted as saying that this is the ninth fishing sector to be given exemptions.  “What we are seeing is the farcical collapse of the fishing system to what it was in the 90s.”

In other news, the NSRI was called into action this week after various eyewitnesses reported seeing what looked like paraglider or microlight crashing into the sea near Sunny Cove.

Preparing for the worst, the NSRI launched a rescue vessel and headed to the scene, only to be greeted by 15 “Happy Birthday” balloons tied together and floating in the water about 15 nautical miles offshore.  Darren Zimmerman, NSRI Simon’s Town station commander, said, “It is understandable that at the distances involved it looked like a crashing paraglider or microlight aircraft and the good intensions of the eyewitnesses is commended.”

A young subantarctic seal has also made the news this week after appearing in the water off Scarborough, a mere 2000km away from its home on Marion Island.  The seal is a little thin, so the SPCA has stepped in to help fatten her up and fit her with some high tech tracking gear to monitor her progress back to the island once she is released.

Fingers crossed that she makes it home.

Weekly Press Review – 20 March 2014

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As if the threatened impeachment of our president this week was not enough to bring embarrassment to our nation, a member of the police Sea Border Unit, and his wife, have been arrested after 1,819 abalone were found at their home in Fisherhaven.

Along with the abalone, police also seized crayfish tails, a boat and a car.  The estimated value of the total find is around R1.3 million.

Is there no end to the corruption in this country?  In this case, the very person charged with protecting our oceans is responsible for poaching and stealing from it.  Where to from here?

In happier news, a whale that was entangled in the ropes of a whelk trap off False Bay was freed thanks to the joint efforts of the South African Whale Disentanglement Network and the National Sea Rescue Institute.  The young whale was trapped to such a degree that it was struggling to reach the surface of the water to breathe. After two of the five ropes that it had become entangled in were cut, it was able to free itself and witnesses later reported seeing it swimming strongly in the vicinity of Murdoch Valley.

Another successful operation assisting one of our sea creatures in distress.

Weekly Press Review – 1 November 2013

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Saldanha Bay made the news this week with officials from the national and provincial governments and local authorities, along with President Zuma descending upon the coastal town for the official designation of the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone. (IDZ)

It is estimated that more than 11,000 jobs will be created over the next 25 years and that the IDZ will attract R9.3 billion in foreign investment.

The IDZ business plan shows that Saldanha Bay has the capacity to service up to three oil rigs simultaneously and would have access to at least 84 other rigs currently off the coast of Western Africa.

This project is being lauded as a huge coup for not just the South African economy, but also for the people of Saldanha Bay. Saldanha Black Business Women’s Association chairwoman, Paulina Mali, says: “I believe the IDZ will change our lives and bring jobs for our young people.”

Despite incidents of heckling and a somewhat heated discussion between the President and Premier Helen Zille at the official opening, making more of a news impact than the actual IDZ development one can only hope that the project runs smoothly from now on and delivers what it promises.

Our interaction with some members of the maritime industry sees the development as important, but wonders at the wisdom of creating such massive expectations for the people of Saldanha Bay at this early stage when many issues relating to the use and development of the zone need still to be addressed.

On the environmental front, the story of a young humpback whale who found his way into Table Bay harbour, but could not find his way out made headlines this week.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), police divers and several government departments were involved in the rescue operation to free the whale who was caught between a ship and the Table Bay quay.

Rescuers tried to encourage the trapped animal to move towards the open waters, but it kept moving inward to where a large ship was pressed against the tyres on the quay wall. Eventually Plan B had to be implemented: if the whale would/could not move, then the ship would have to be moved. Two tugs moved the large ship and then a tug was used to gently guide the whale out of the harbour.

A happy story as people come together to help an animal in distress.

Another story making the news this week should appeal to all maritime historians. Five large cannon have been recovered from the ocean floor near Miami belonging to the vessel, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, captained by the legendary pirate Blackbeard.

Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, infamously terrorised Atlantic seafarers around the Caribbean and American colonies. He was ultimately killed by British forces in 1718.

Weekly Press Review

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There has not been much positive news to focus on this week and unfortunately the maritime industry has not been spared. Along with the two students from North West high school who are still missing, presumed drowned, off Camps Bay Beach; two fishermen also lost their lives this week after their boat capsized near Kleinmond on Monday morning.

Skipper, Philip Schoeman told of his horrific nine hour ordeal clinging to his capsized vessel. “Conditions were very extreme. The water was about 12 and a half degrees. The wind picked up. Water came over our faces all the time.” The group was rescued by the NSRI. Two crewmen, as well as Schoeman’s son survived.

This week once again shows what a cruel place the ocean can be. With World Maritime Day falling in this week, perhaps this is good time to reflect on those individuals who place their lives in danger on a daily basis in pursuit of careers at sea and how we benefit from their actions.

Weekly Press Review – 13 September 2013

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Making headlines this week is the news that Mozambique has signed a R2.7 million deal with a French shipyard for six patrol and interceptor ships for its navy, as well as a fleet of fishing boats.

Defense analyst, Helmoed Romer Heitman says this is good news for South Africa as “the more they’ve got the better, the less we have to do.” He added that South Africa and Mozambique run joint operations with each other and SADC partners and described the navy boats to be added to the Mozambique fleet as a good complement for South Africa’s vessels.

In other news,the NSRI was called to assist a fisherman who was pulled overboard after getting his foot tangled in the rope while fishing off St Helena Bay. Dominic Brink was trapped underwater until his colleagues managed to cut the rope and free him. He was treated by NSRI volunteers for a fracture to his femur and symptoms of near drowning. He is presently recovering in hospital.

The end of this story could very easily not have been a happy one, but for Brink’s quick thinking (and acting) colleagues and the quick response of the local NSRI team in the area.