Thirty-five wild horses have been rescued from the flooded waters of the Orange River.

In a statement the NSRI says: “On Wednesday, 2 February, NSRI Port Nolloth duty crew prepared our sea rescue craft Vodacom Rescuer 2 which we towed to the Orange River, Richtersveld near to Alexander Bay, to assist “Have a Heart” and “Network for Animals” to save horses trapped on islands on the flooded Orange River.”

The animals were been trapped on small islands in rising waters of the river and some of the horses were reported to be tethered. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon says: “On arrival on the scene our sea rescue craft, accompanied by members of “Have a Heart” and “Network for Animals” was launched. Four Namibians, Jacques Kemp, Mark Kemp, Mauricio Smit and Dewald van Jaarsveld, from the Namibian side of the river, launched their 2 private boats offering to help to assist in the operation.”

The horses were scattered in groups across a number of smaller islands that they had sought shelter on.

As islands were flooded the horses were forced to swim to the next island, causing the horses to be scattered over a large area, some already standing on islands that had submerged.

In an intense operation, the horses were corralled and walked through chest-deep water and at places swum through the water to reach larger islands.

In total 35 horses, which included 3 foals, were assisted to safety.