Donna Nicholas fell in love with South Africa and more specifically the NSRI – a charity staffed by volunteers who are on call, day and night throughout the year – so much so that she left a large amount of money to them in her Will.
Western Cape, South Africa (23 April 2021) – Donna Nicholas only stayed in Cape Town for a short time but was so impressed with the work that the National Sea Rescue South Africa did that she left R20 million in her Will to help them continue.
Nicholas, originally born in Toronto, travelled extensively, but her heart always remained in South Africa and specifically with Sea Rescue (NSRI).
The kind philanthropist was Vice President of American Eagle Airlines (East Coast), Vice President of the Orr Felt Company, Piqua, Ohio (subsequently President and Chairman until 2003) and President of South African Felt Industries, Cape Town, South Africa. She and her late husband invested in several properties in Cape Town.
During one of her visits to Cape Town, she was introduced to the NSRI by Andrew Sutherland, who invited Nicholas to one of the Rotary Wine Auctions in aid of the NSRI. She was an active bidder at these auctions over the years.
“She really admired the work done by the NSRI and always said that she wanted to support it.
Nicholas sadly passed away on the 15th of April 2014 but included a bequest to the NSRI in her Will, which substantially funded the new Offshore Rescue Craft for Station 10 Simon’s Town, and it gave us great pleasure to honour her; by naming the vessel in her memory.”
The NSRI second Offshore Rescue Craft began its maiden voyage to its home station in Simon’s Town on Saturday, 17th April 2021. The second vessel, imported as “hull, deck and bulkheads”, was completed by Two Oceans Marine in Cape Town earlier this month. The innovative French-designed Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC) will take the NSRI’s crew safety and marine rescue capability to a new level.
Named the Donna Nicholas, the R20 million vessel was destined for service at Station 10 in Simon’s Town.
“The station is very proud to be receiving this high-tech Search and Rescue (SAR) vessel, and we look forward to being able to reach those in peril speedily and all weather conditions. The vessel has been purposely designed in France by Pantocarene Naval Architects and built for the worst of the conditions the Cape has to offer”, said Station 10, Station Commander, Darren Zimmerman.
The new self-righting and purpose-built rescue vessel is designed for rescue operations in extreme conditions. At 14.8 m long and 4.8 m wide, it can be deployed on rescue missions as far as 50 nautical miles (over 92km) from land and has an expected lifespan of at least 40 years.
An excited Simons Town rescue crew will begin training and testing the new vessel before it is officially welcomed to the NSRI’s growing fleet later this year.
“Station 10 Simons Town is buzzing with activity as we make the final preparations for the arrival of our new Search and Rescue (SAR) vessel, Donna Nicholas. With any new vessel comes planning and facility alteration to accommodate her. The rescue base has been rebuilt and the slipway and winch gear upgraded to house this magnificent vessel. The upgrades are now complete, and the crew is busy adding the final touches to make it home for Donna Nicholas and crew”, added Zimmerman.
“Our fleet replacement program will see the entire NSRI all-weather search and rescue fleet replaced with the new vessels over about 10 years, allowing for increased operational capability,” said NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson.
The new world-class search and rescue vessels will accommodate six volunteer rescuers on board, in shock mitigating seats to allow for high-speed operation in difficult sea conditions and have the ability to carry up to 23 survivors.
“Although most rescues are coastal and inshore, an increasing number of our operations require to search and rescue vessels with extended range and advanced capability in safety and technology,” said Dr Robertson. “As the only maritime rescue service operating in Southern African waters, we needed to make this investment to ensure all-round safety for crew and those being rescued.”
“In addition to the building works is the need for crew training and upgrading of the coxswains and crew skills to man the new vessel. She is a huge step from what we are used to, and we have really had to adjust our culture to safely and effectively crew Donna Nicholas. Once she is on the station, we will continue with the training program to ensure we are fully operational in a short time as possible to be ready to put to sea for any rescue operations. Station 10 is very appreciative of all the efforts that have gone into making the arrival of Donna Nicholas possible, and we wish to thank everyone involved. We would like to especially thank Mark Hughes (NSRI Executive Director of Capital Projects) who has driven the project for the past 5 years,” added Zimmerman.
With crew and casualty safety a top priority, the new rescue boats will have the latest electronic navigation and communication equipment. They are also self-righting, which provides increased safety for those on board.
“We see this investment in the new rescue craft as a concrete response to the need to modernise our fleet to execute search and rescue missions including deep-sea operations, medical evacuations and mass rescue incidents along South Africa’s coastline.”
Robertson also cited the additional impact on South Africa’s maritime economy.
“Our new vessels will be a safety net for a range of industries such as tourism, fishing and water-based recreational industries. Not only will they improve safety, but the fact that we are investing and assembling locally also presents an opportunity for the maritime boatbuilding industry.”
The NSRI is entirely funded by donations, receives limited government support and is the only national organization delivering coastal rescue services.
“This is a huge investment for a non-profit organisation, but it had to be done. The investment into lessening the risk of lost lives of our crews and those stranded at sea is more than worth it. Our coastline is busy, and the people who make our blue economy thrive deserve to be protected.”
The NSRI is inviting all South Africans to assist in funding the new ORC’s.
Through the NSRI’s “Launch a Legacy” campaign, donors and supporters can celebrate or commemorate a loved one by making a donation of R2 000 and submitting a loved one’s name that will then appear in the lettering of the third Offshore Rescue Boat in the fleet.
“We are appealing for donations from as many people as possible – that way, we will ensure that our rescue craft and services touch the lives of all South Africans”, added Dr Roberston.
To donate to the ORC project, go to www.nsri.org.za.
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