Ameer and Ahmed’s friendship was tested in the most unexpected way when a calm fishing trip quickly turned into their worst nightmare. When separated by fatigue and swept by wind out at sea, one made the toughest call, to leave his friend and get help.
Durban, South Africa (09 July 2025) – Friends Ameer and Ahmed, who both share a love for paddling, had launched their fishing sea kayaks on an unsuspecting morning in May, planning for a few quiet hours on the water.
Conditions were calm, and both were experienced on their skis. But within hours, they would be separated by wind, fatigue, and fate, forcing Ameer to make a heart-wrenching decision, NSRI reports.
“We had an easy launch,” Ameer said.
“As I paddled out, I noticed Ahmed was not beside me. Then I looked back, and he was close to the north pier. So, I turned around and went to assist him, but he was too tired to paddle.”
Despite Ameer’s best efforts to tow Ahmed using his own ski for nearly two hours, conditions worsened, and he was forced to make the agonising decision to leave Ahmed and paddle for help; a choice he describes as the hardest of his life.
Determined to save his friend, Ameer paddled back towards shore without stopping. But the sea had turned, and another disaster struck just as he reached the north pier.
“I capsized,” he said.
“I didn’t strap my paddle to my ski, so my ski was upside-down and I was in the water.”
Alone and drifting, Ameer blew his whistle to get attention, which led to his rescue by the crew of the charter boat My Girl. The alarm was raised, and the NSRI Durban duty crew, already on site for maintenance, swiftly launched their rescue operations.
Upon meeting up with the charter boat, Ameer was transferred to the NSRI vessel. He quickly pointed rescuers toward the area where he had left Ahmed. A shoreline search was also initiated, and a second rescue craft was launched to expand the search effort.
The NSRI crew soon spotted Ahmed just north of Blue Lagoon, still clinging to his fishing kayak, exhausted but alive. He was brought aboard, and by 4.35pm, both friends were safely ashore at Vetchies Beach, reunited and grateful.
Ameer credited the NSRI and My Girl crew with saving both their lives.
“Those men are the best people I’ve ever met. They were kind, helpful, patient, and they really know the sea.”
He added:
“Every day I pray for those gentlemen, for the safe and fast rescue. And I thank God for protecting us and bringing us back home.”
The NSRI further urged those heading out to sea, whether on a boat, kayak or ski, to always wear a lifejacket, bright coloured clothing, tether themselves and paddle to their craft.
“Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and in a waterproof pouch, and download (and activate) the free NSRI SafeTrx app at www.nsri.org.za. It could be the most important gear you carry,” NSRI said.
Sources: NSRI
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 