A new offshore rescue vessel, Bay Guardian, was commissioned by the NSRI. There was a blessing ceremony at the PE Deep Sea Angling Club near NSRI Station 6 in Gqeberha at the weekend.
A new offshore rescue vessel, Bay Guardian
Built by Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing in Cape Town, Bay Guardian is a 14.8-meter, self-righting vessel designed to operate up to 50 nautical miles offshore. The French-designed craft accommodates six crew members with shock-mitigating seats and can rescue up to 23 survivors. With a projected operational lifespan of 40+ years, it significantly enhances NSRI’s offshore response capability.
Bay Guardian, Purpose-Built for Extreme Conditions
Since arriving on 25 September 2024, Bay Guardian has completed 15 rescue missions, logged over 100 hours at sea, and assisted 14 individuals, including 8 urgent medical evacuations. Station Commander Justin Erasmus praised the new vessel, saying, “She has already made a huge difference in operational safety and expanded what our team can achieve.”
MORE ABOUT: The Bay Guardian
Operational Impact Since Arrival
Through NSRI’s Celebrate a Life campaign, 739 names are proudly inscribed within the RESCUE 6 lettering on the vessel’s hull — each representing a loved one. This initiative raised over R700,000 towards the vessel’s construction.
Celebrate a Life: Honouring Legacies
According to Graeme Harding, Head of Fleet and Facilities, Bay Guardian is the sixth of NSRI’s new Class 1 rescue vessels. The ongoing fleet upgrade aims to modernise NSRI’s national rescue capability from Richards Bay to Mykonos.
READ MORE: NSRI attended to multiple incidents
A Vessel Powered by Community and Volunteers
NSRI CEO Mike Vonk emphasised, “The Bay Guardian carries the legacy of loved ones and the spirit of our volunteers. Every mission she undertakes reflects the heart of the NSRI – saving lives through community support and volunteer dedication.”
