The NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app has helped save a surf skier who activated an emergency alert; the NSRI were quick to assist.
Saldanha Bay, South Africa (05 June 2023) – The station commander at the NSRI Mykonos, Nic Stevens, shared that they received an emergency alert from a surf skier that had installed the NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app on his phone. The surf skier and four other paddlers found themselves in need of assistance.
“On Friday, 2 June, NSRI Mykonos duty controllers were informed of 5 surf-skiers launching on a downwind paddle in Saldanha Bay and would be using the NSRI SafeTrx smartphone app during the paddle.
Later, at 16h26, NSRI Mykonos duty crew were activated after one of the 5 paddlers, a local man, activated an emergency distress using the NSRI SafeTrx emergency procedure.
The position of the emergency was given as Northwest of The Candle, in Saldanha Bay.
The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of East London II was launched and NSRI rendezvoused with the casualty, an experienced paddler was standing by at his location.
The casualty paddler, whose craft had earlier capsized, was rescued onto the NSRI rescue craft and suffering from hypothermia he was brought to shore at Yacht Port (small craft harbour) in Saldanha Bay.
A West Coast Medical Rescue ambulance had been activated and the patient was transported to hospital by a West Coast Medical Rescue ambulance in the care of their paramedics for further medical treatment.
The 4 remaining paddlers were tracked until they reached Langebaan Yacht Club safely.
The casualty’s surf-ski was recovered.
The 5 paddlers are commended for using the NSRI SafeTrx smartphone application.”
This is the perfect example of why this new app is vital for anyone heading out to sea for activities. The NSRI is appealing to all boaters, paddlers, sailors, and water sports enthusiasts, to take advantage of the NSRI RSA SafeTrx smartphone application to enhance their safety while on the water.
The NSRI RSA SafeTrx application allows for seafarers and inland water sports enthusiasts to log their trip details and estimated time of arrival, and to share their location with NSRI and Maritime authorities in the event of an emergency. The app also provides real-time weather updates, making it an essential tool for anyone planning a trip on the water.
They are urging all in-shore seafarers to download the NSRI RSA SafeTrx application https://www.nsri.org.za/water-safety/safetrx/ and to use it every time they venture out onto the water. By taking advantage of this essential tool, you are helping to enhance your safety and peace of mind, and ensuring that emergency services can be alerted promptly in the event of an emergency.
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