Fantastic NSRI rescue demo at the port this morning

By Bev Mortimer: 

The NSRI sea rescue volunteers from Station 21 St Francis Bay held an exciting demonstration of rescues at sea this morning.

The demo also served as training for new recruits and the honing of skills of all local NSRI volunteers.

Held at the entrance of the private harbour at Port St Francis, the demo lasted more than an hour and quite a few spectators gathered on the long wall  walkway, where there were also some local photographers. When the wind came ups some crouched down to get shelter.

NSRI volunteers first gathered on the wall where they were briefed and given training on what to expect. After a mock fire, the newer recruits  then took it in turns to be hoisted up to a helicopter hovering overhead. They were then lowered down again onto the wall.

Next the NSRI volunteers boarded the rescue boats and went out to sea with the helicopter following them. There in the bay, volunteers were hoisted up to the helicopter, then lowered half way above the sea and carried, swaying gently to and fro, a short distance before being lowed back onto the boat.  Two NSRI  ‘Spirit of St Francis’ boats were used in the manoeuvres.

This annual display was as always most enjoyable.

Photos by Bev Mortimer

An NSRI sea rescue volunteer fromSt Francis Bay is hoistedup to the ehlicopter during a fantastic sea rescue display, demo and training session at the entrance to the private harbour at the port in St Francis Bay this morning. Photos: Bev Mortimer

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