St Francis Bay volunteer NSRI rescue team were hard at work all day ferrying people up the Kromme River to the Kromme Bridge following the collapse of the Sand River Bridge at 2 am this morning.
Throughout the day NSRI St Francis Bay ferried well over 200 people across the river to get in or out of St Francis Bay.
With people marooned the NSRI ferries were the only hope for most people who needed to leave St Francis Bay today.
At 7 am today (21 October) NSRI St Francis Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated after reports that the Main Road R330 at the intersection of Sand River and the Kromme River collapsed.
This road is the only access route to and from St Francis Bay.
Marc May, NSRI St Francis Bay station commander, says in a release issued by NSRI H/O: “Our NSRI St Francis Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew launched our sea rescue craft Spirit of St Francis II and Eikos Rescuer I and responded through the Kromme River Mouth and upstream of the Kromme River to the Sand River where we found the entire road collapsed from flooding and heavy rain.
“There simply was no other way for tourists leaving or entering St Francis Bay, some of whom had flights to catch or destinations to reach. A child that needed to go to hospital suffering a high temperature , plus many people making their normal Sunday routes to hospital for normal treatments were ferried, as well as residents returning home and holiday makers who needed to get out to go home.
“In some cases private boats were also used to help in this massive operation but flood waters, with debris and flotsam floating downstream took its toll on boats and soon rendered them to stop trying. However, but the NSRI pressed on and by last light it appeared that most people who had to leave and most people who have had to come in to St Francis Bay have been satisfied by the rescue ferry service provided by the NSRI St Francis Bay volunteers.
“In some cases school learners who are supposed to begin matric exams tomorrow were ferried out to families and friends assisting with accommodations so that they can reach their final exams tomorrow.
“The situation at present is that Disaster Management and Police are manning the entry and exit points to try to prevent people from trying to cross the river during the night to prevent injury. Residents and tourists are advised not to try to cross the river during the night.
“NSRI St Francis Bay volunteers will return from first light on Monday morning (tomorrow 22 Ofctober) to continue to assist until authorities can figure out an alternative and in the hope that the flood waters subside.”
St Francis Chronicle joins its voice to many others in St Francis who have praised the NSRI volunteers for the great and selfless work the y did to help residents and visitors to St Francs Bay.
We also join others in kindly asking anyone using the NSRI services tomorrow to make a donation to the NSRI.
(edited)
St Francis Chronicle 
Hello
My dog and myself were one of the “stranded” masses who were ferried across by the NSRI on Sunday. I own a guest house in Port Elizabeth and had guests comming in last night, so was very fortunate that the volunteers gave up there time to help.
I would like to make a donation, but would like this to go to the St Francis Station directly. On the web page it only indicates is a general donation to National NSIR. Please can I get assistance in finding out how to donate directly to St Francis NSIR station.
Thank you
Yvette Harrison, Port Elizabeth