NSRI volunteers launched a rescue response after a fishing boat capsized near Plettenberg Bay, leaving three teenagers in the water.
Plettenberg, South Africa (09 March 2026) – Three teenagers are safe after their small fishing boat capsized near the Keurbooms River Mouth outside Plettenberg Bay on Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from the National Sea Rescue Institute.
According to NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty coxswain Robbie Gibson, rescue crews were alerted shortly after 10 am when eyewitnesses reported that a rigid hull inflatable boat had capsized in the surf zone at the Keurbooms River Mouth, with three people believed to be in the water.
“At 10h04, Sunday, 8 March, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a RHIB capsized in the Keurbooms River Mouth with 3 people onboard reported to be in the water,” Gibson explained.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded immediately while additional crew members headed to the station’s rescue base to launch two rescue craft, the Ray Farnham Rescuer and the Eric Stratford. The coordinated response ensured that rescuers could reach the area quickly and assess the situation.
Fortunately, by the time rescuers arrived on the scene, the three local teenage boys had already made their way safely to the shoreline. Their capsized boat was recovered from the surf zone while the teenagers were medically assessed on the beach.
“The 3 teenagers were medically assessed and with only 2 sustaining minor injuries they were reunited with family and they required no further assistance,” Gibson said.
Initial reports suggest the teenagers had been fishing from their boat on the Keurbooms Lagoon when their craft was swept out through the river mouth. Despite deploying an anchor in an attempt to stabilise the vessel, the boat dragged anchor before eventually capsizing in the rougher water.
While the incident could easily have had a far more serious outcome, the quick actions of those nearby and the rapid response from the NSRI ensured the situation was resolved safely.
The National Sea Rescue Institute operates as a non-profit organisation dedicated to drowning prevention and water safety across South Africa. Through education programmes, rescue operations and constant preparedness, its volunteers work around the clock to protect lives in and around the country’s waters.
NSRI volunteers remain on call 24 hours a day and rely heavily on donations and sponsorships to support their life saving work. Their goal is simple but powerful: to help create a future where drowning incidents are minimised and everyone can enjoy South Africa’s waterways safely.
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