The NSRI’s Simon’s Town Patti Price Sea Rescue station 10 took His Royal Highness Prince William on an adventure across False Bay.
Simon’s Town, South Africa (11 November 2024) – His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince William appears to have had a marvellous time in South Africa for the Earthshot Prize Awards. We loved watching him pop up all around the Western Cape. Before setting off home, he paid a visit to the NSRI’s Simon’s Town Patti Price Sea Rescue station 10, where he was whisked away on an adventure!
The adventure took place on his fourth and final day in Cape Town. NSRI’s CEO Mike Vonk and NSRI rescue crew volunteers transported the Prince across False Bay to Kalk Bay Harbour, from Simon’s Town Harbour, aboard the NSRI rescue craft Rescue 10, Donna Nicholas, accompanied by the NSRI rescue craft Rescue 10 Alpha, Jack&Irene.
The teams helped HRH get to the Earthshot finalist Abalobi’s headquarters and to meet the local fishing community. But before they set off across the bay, Prince William received a tour of the NSRI Simon’s Town rescue base and then boarded the NSRI’s 15-meter offshore rescue craft (ORC) Donna Nicholas. During the voyage, HRH experienced the power of Cape Town’s gale-force southeasterly winds firsthand.
The Prince’s deep connection to rescue operations was evident during his visit to NSRI. With extensive experience himself, as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot for the Royal Air Force and later as an air ambulance pilot, Prince William has undertaken 156 search and rescue operations, contributing to saving 149 lives. This background provided a unique perspective as Prince William joined the NSRI volunteers on the voyage from Simon’s Town to Kalk Bay Harbour.
“Given the Prince’s background in search and rescue, he appeared naturally interested in our rescue operations. He was eager to meet our volunteers and understand both what they do and why they choose to volunteer.” – Mike Vonk, NSRI CEO
“He showed particular interest in our NSRI SafeTrx App and the preventive safety measures we have in place for water users.”
“His Royal Highness has a ‘Learn to Swim’ programme as part of his foundation, and he was very keen to learn about our Survival Swimming program and water safety education,” Vonk added.
These are some of the key programmes implemented by the NSRI so it is heartwarming to see their work is so valued, beyond the South African waters.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work of the NSRI, and his genuine interest in what our volunteers do was truly special. It was a fantastic visit. You could tell he is a people person—he was sincerely engaged in the work of our volunteers.” Vonk ends.
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