NSRI Agulhas rescue spear fishermen in difficulty

NSRI Agulhas volunteers rescued two guys fishing offshore of Arniston yesterday morning after their jetski would not start when they wished to return to shore.

Reinard Geldenhuys, NSRI Agulhas station commander said at 11.55 am NSRI Agulhas volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated by reports of two jet-skiers in difficulty off-shore of Arniston. 

“Our NSRI Agulhas volunteer sea rescue duty crew towed our sea rescue craft I&J Rescuer II and the Overberg Fire and Rescue Service in Bredasdorp towed their Fire and Rescue Service rescue craft.The SA Police Services and the WC Government Health EMS also responded,” Geldenhuys said.

 On arrival a search started for the men but it was hampered by a 20 knot off-shore north-westerly wind and rough sea swells. The men were found adrift 2 nautical miles off-shore by the Overberg Fire and Rescue Service rescue craft.

Robert Trautman, 36, from Worcester, and Coenie Human, 38, from Victoria West were rescued and brought on the NSRI sea rescue craft to shore while the Overberg Fire and Rescue Service rescue craft towed the casualty jet-ski to shore. The men were checked by EMS paramedics and although a bit cold neither of them required any medical treatment. 

“They had been spearfishing off-shore of The Point at Roman Beach from their jet-ski. It appears that while they were spearfishing their jet-ski became waterlogged and when they got back onto the jet-ski it capsized causing the motor to fail.

“They raised the alarm and wearing wet-suits they then hung onto the jet-ski which was gradually swept further out to sea. Their jet-ski was recovered onto its trailer,” Geldenhuys added.

(edited)

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