Durban - A Richards Bay couple and their faithful schnauzer were rescued by the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI’s) Durban team when their yacht sank while being towed to Durban on Tuesday.
Their vessel, See Brok, got into difficulty shortly after launching from Zululand Yacht Club in Richards Bay, on Sunday.
They drifted without motor or electrical power and under a makeshift sail before setting off distress flares at around 2pm on Monday to attract the attention of the ship Kishore that was passing nearby at the time.
“At 5.40pm on Monday the NSRI Durban duty crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority following a request for assistance from the motor vessel Kishore, reporting to have diverted from their voyage to investigate after witnessing red distress flares,” said NSRI Durban Station Commander Clifford Ireland.
NSRI Durban launched the sea rescue craft Eikos Rescuer II which arrived in the dark around 11pm. They found a couple and their dog on the yacht without motor or electrical power. The boat had also suffered damage to its main sails.
The Kishore had remained close by to ensure the couple’s safety while waiting for assistance.
The couple, known only as the Lubbes, and their Schnauzer were reported to be safe, Ireland said.
“A tow-line was rigged and the yacht was towed towards Durban’s port in rough sea conditions with a 15 to 20 knot north easterly wind and three-metre swell.”
The vessel had been expected to arrive in Durban at midday. But at 10.30am See Brok began to take on water and started to sink.
The sea rescue craft attempted to get water extrication pumps on to the yacht but shortly after the couple and their dog had to abandon the yacht, said Ireland, adding that the couple and their schnauzer had all been wearing life-jackets and were not injured.
The couple and their dog were taken to Durban, and the The South African Maritime Safety Authority together with the police are investigating the incident.
The Mercury