NSRI in Plettenberg Bay sprang into action on Tuesday morning following reports that a man on a charter boat had gone overboard. They were able to carry out an effective rescue and get the man safely to shore after he had drifted more than for 1.5km nautical miles on the ocean.
Robbie Gibson, NSRI Plettenberg Bay deputy station commander, said their duty crew were activated at about 11am on Tuesday after a request for urgent assistance from crew of the charter boat Sabrina.
A man had gone overboard about 2 nautical miles off-shore of The Point, Robberg Nature Reserve.
"Our sea rescue craft Ray Farnham and Ian Hepburn were launched and our sea rescue vehicle responded to Robberg Nature Reserve," said Gibson.
The charter boat Oceanic Explorer responded.
Gibson reported that two fixed wing aircraft, with assistance offered by pilots Stuart Lithgows and Phil Jones, were activated and NSRI crew joined the 2 RV7 aircraft.
A third aircraft was prepared, a Robbie 44 helicopter was placed on alert and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter was activated.
Ocean Blue Adventures also launched their sister boat Damara to join in a search and rescue operation.
Gibson said the man overboard was believed to be the 42-year-old skipper.
The sea rescue craft Ray Farnham returns to shore after rescuing the skipper. Picture: NSRI Plettenberg Bay
During the ensuing search the man was found and recovered about 1.5 nautical miles from where he had first gone missing. He had been in the water for about 40 minutes.
NSRI national spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the skipper had been wearing a life-jacket and was taken on to the sea rescue craft Ray Farnham and treated for hypothermia.
"His concerned wife arrived at the base and she was reunited with her husband but understandably in an emotional state."
She had to be treated for chest pains and both the husband and wife were transported to hospital by ambulance in stable conditions. They are both expected to make a full recovery.
It appears that the skipper had gone below deck to the bathroom and, after he failed to return to the top deck, the crew had searched for him and the alarm was raised.
The skipper confirmed that he had slipped and fallen overboard while returning to the top deck.