NSRI BASE BEST IN COUNTRY
The crew, sponsors and guests line up next to 'Spirit of Richards Bay' as they celebrate the official opening of NSRI Rescue 19 base on Wednesday afternoon
BHP Billiton Bayside Smelter General Manager -Lucas Msimanga hands over the keys to Sea Rescue Station 19 Commander - Mark Hughes
Dave Savides
THE state-of-the-art R11.6-million Sea Rescue base at Richards Bay was officially opened on Wednesday afternoon this week.
The occasion was made more relevant by the sad passing away of local yachtsman Colin Craig and the rescue of his wife Glynn during a storm at sea off the coast of Australia, emphasising the importance of the life-saving institution.
NSRI Station 19, located next to the Zululand Yacht Club where the Craig family were members, now boasts the most modern base in the country, with R22-million worth of assets, and extends its proud tradition.
Since its inception in 1976, Sea Rescue 19's volunteer crews have engaged in 557 operations, saving 126 lives and assisting 1 898 people.
They have towed-in 374 stricken craft and assisted 155 others.
Many of the epic rescues have been fraught with danger in the turbulent waters patrolled by Station 19 between the Tugela and Kosi Bay.
'The new base, on Council-provided land, will make the launching of boats more efficient and provide all the necessary facilities we need for training,' said Station 19 Commander, Mark Hughes.
'Primarily, by being able to now keep our boats out of the water, it will extend the life of the hull of our R9-million lead craft 'Spirit of Richards Bay' by 20 years.
Hughes praised the huge community support from sponsors and donors who made the new base possible.
Besides a whopping R2-million donation, BHP Billiton have also given the furniture for the various offices at the base.
RBCT, who over the years have been a huge contributor, weighed in with R550 000 while Lotto and the Morgan Logan bequest provided R500 000 each.
'While obtaining a large proportion of the funding is still a major issue, I must also pay tribute to others who contributed in cash or kind,' said Hughes.
These include Grindrod R250 000; RBM R250 000; Xstrata R200 000; nDawonye R319 000; Zululand Deep Sea Angling Association R50 000; Bell Equipment R80 000; Theunissen Jankowitz Architects R61 000; Hiemstra and de Villiers Quantity Surveyors R51 000; Transnet R87 000.
'When one considers that our main craft takes 2 000 litres of diesel to fill, it is obvious that ongoing help with running costs is also vital.'
Open day
According to Hughes the base presently has about 20 volunteers and is on a recruiting drive for more.
'One thing the new base does is provide recreational space for the families of crews.
'We need total commitment from volunteers and this also means keeping their families happy.'
Long serving volunteer Mike Patterson - who has special service certificates from three State Presidents patrons of NSRI - summarised the history of the Richards Bay base.
Zululand Observer Editor, Dave Savides blessed the new home and paid tribute to the courage of crews who featured in daring rescues that made the front pages over the years.
•An open day will be held this Saturday 24 May where potential applicants can view the base and get an idea of the work entailed.
'Volunteers must meet basic criteria such as being able to swim, own a car and be available at all hours,' said Hughes.
'Boat handling and engine repair experience are especially welcomed, but we have many who do not go out to sea and there is place for almost any skill.'
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