There are three new lifesavers patrolling the waters off Plett!
Garden Route, South Africa (08 May 2026) – NSRI Station 14 in Plett officially welcomed Rescue Ray, Rescue Plett, and Spirit of Pilatus to their fleet last weekend.
The milestone was marked with a blessing ceremony on Saturday, as per NSRI tradition.
The three vessels, two new jet RIBs and a new 5.5m RIB, are built to help the crew respond faster and operate more effectively along their stretch of coastline.
We’re huge fans of the heroes of the NSRI. They are SA’s only non-profit focused exclusively on saving lives on the water. Over 1500 unpaid volunteers across 131 service locations across the country (both inland and coastal) are always on call around the clock. They save many lives, but they also educate and prevent dangerous scenarios on the water.
Station 14 in Plett has been operating since the early ‘70s. Their volunteer crew trains every Wednesday and responds to around 40 rescues a year. They’re also award-winning, having scooped the RIB Station of the Year and reached the finals of the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s Innovation and Technology category for a rescue stretcher designed for rock and surf patients.
These three brand new vessels welcomed on board Station 14’s fleet were made possible by donors and sponsors, as the organisation runs entirely on public donations, corporate sponsorships, and bequests.
“Every launch we make carries responsibility, and these crafts will be at the heart of that mission. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the donors and sponsors who made this possible. Your support directly strengthens our ability to serve the community and keep people safe on the water. Quite simply, we could not do what we do without you.”
How Debate Is Helping Cape Town Youth Find Their Voice
NSRI's Countrywide Splash of Drowning Prevention Awareness
by 
