Three teenagers drown at Dias Beach in Mossel Bay

Opvolg: - Die drie tienerseuns wat gister omstreeks 14:00 by Diasstrand verdrink het, se identiteit is bekend gemaak. Ziggy Matthysen (14), Lesley Anderson (13) en Nathan Taute (13), drie boesemvriende, is almal afkomstig van 7delaan, KwaNonqaba. Aanvanklik is gedink dat die een kind 'n meisie was weens sy lang hare. 'n Troosdiens vir die drie kinders sal Woensdagaand, 14 Januarie om 18:00 in 7delaan plaasvind waartydens verskeie predikers sal optree. - Mossel Bay Advertiser

Mossel Bay: At 14h29, Sunday, 11th January, NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew dispatched rescue swimmers and launched the sea rescue craft VODACOM RESCUER II following reports of a drowning in progress at Dias Beach, Mossel Bay. A Police Sea Borderline boat, that was also carrying members of the Police Dive Unit, WC Government Health EMS, the SA Police Services and ER24 ambulance services also responded. On arrival on-scene it was found that three children, 2 boys and a girl, believed to be aged approximately 14 years old and believed to all be friends from Mossel Bay, had been swept out to sea by rip currents while swimming. An unidentified adult female had rescued the girl from the water and had commenced CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) but paramedics declared the girl deceased after CPR was unsuccessful. The Police boat had located and recovered the bodies of both of the boys from the water but both had succumbed to drowning and were both declared deceased by paramedics. The bodies of the 3 teenagers have been taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services and Police have opened an inquest docket. Family that were on the scene are being supported by Police trauma counsellors. - NSRI

MSBWX - Once again rip currents claimed three young lives.  We need to be vigilant and alert when swimming in the sea.  Only swim under supervision and between demarcated areas.  Adults need to take responsibility and keep a watchful eye on their children and where they swim.

#SAWeather and #Disaster #Observations South Africa : 26 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: -----Nil  

WATCHES: High seas with wave heights from 6 to 6.5m is expected between Cape Columbine and Port Alfred on Friday.  

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: An intense tropical low pressure system is expected to move over Botswana, resulting in tropical moisture over the eastern and northern parts of South Africa from early hours on Saturday morning and into Monday. The Public is advised that heavy rain and flooding can be expected.  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  ------Nil

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to very hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms and rain showers can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape, Free State and Kwazulu Natal.  Isolated to scattered showers and rain expected in parts of the Western Cape, Southern Cape and Eastern Cape.  A cold front has moved in over parts of the Western Cape bringing with it colder weather, light rain, strong wind and rough seas. Holiday makers are advised to take note of the changing weather and the expected rough sea conditions that co-insides with New Moon Spring Tide. Boaters, paddlers, sail boarders and anyone launching any kind of craft onto water are advised to stay ashore until the cold front has passed and sea conditions improved.  Bathers must only swim where life guards are on duty and in demarcated areas.  

MSBWX National Disaster Observations:  Yesterday MSBWX warned the public that there was a high fire risk in areas of the Western Cape.  At 14h19 SAWXREP received a Twitter message for assistance at Vakansieplaas, Mossel Bay where a fire was burning and threatening homes.  

SAWXREP immediately responded and issued a SITREP to inform several organizations of the situation and to please activate their first responders to assist the emergency services, other NGO's and the public.  Unfortunately 4 houses were damaged but thankfully no one was seriously injured during the event. For more information and images follow @SAWXREP on Twitter. Herewith a few images of the fire.

Fire now extinguished. Firefighters still on scene to monitor the area for possible flare ups.  A big thank you to all who assisted in which ever way they could and also to those who posted images to @SAWXREP to keep the public informed.  A special word of thanks must go to Working on Fire, the heli and spotter plane pilots who under very difficult conditions were able to bombard the fire with water from the bambi bucket. Great piloting and accuracy.  Images: SAWXREP and Twitter  (Click on images for larger view.)

NSRI National Warnings:----------Nil

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

#SAWeather and #Disaster #Observations South Africa : 25 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the eastern parts of the Northern Cape, south-western Free State, northern Eastern Cape as well as in places over the eastern parts of the Western Cape.  

WATCHES: High seas with wave heights from 6 to 6.5m is expected between Cape Columbine and Port Alfred on Friday.  

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: 1. Extremely hot conditions are expected in places over the extreme north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. 2. Hot and humid weather will result in extremely uncomfortable conditions in the Lowveld of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as over the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. 3. An intense tropical low pressure system is expected to move over Botswana, resulting in tropical moisture over the eastern and northern parts of South Africa from early hours on Saturday morning and into Monday. The Public is advised that heavy rain and flooding can be expected.  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  ------Nil

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to very hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms and rain showers can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape, Free State and Kwazulu Natal.  Isolated to scattered showers and rain expected in parts of the Western Cape, Southern Cape and Eastern Cape by this afternoon,  evening and overnight. A cold front is expected to move in over parts of the Western Cape bringing with it colder weather, light rain, strong wind and rough seas. Holiday makers are advised to take note of the changing weather and the expected rough sea conditions that co-insides with New Moon Spring Tide. Boaters, paddlers, sail boarders and anyone launching any kind of craft onto water are advised to stay ashore until the cold front has passed and sea conditions improved.  Bathers must only swim where life guards are on duty and in demarcated areas.  Fire risk:  High. No open fires today in the Northern Cape, south-western Free State, northern Eastern Cape as well as in places over the eastern parts of the Western Cape. Most unwanted fires are caused by people.  Be Firewise!!! 

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: --------Nil

NSRI National Warnings: SPRING TIDE RIP CURRENT WARNING: With more people on the beaches over the festive season NSRI are urging the public to be extra cautious between now and the New Year with the New Moon Spring Tide, which peaked yesterday, that will cause stronger than normal rip currents around the coast. NSRI are urging extreme public caution around the coast until into the New Year. The NEW MOON SPRING TIDE peaked yesterday, 22nd December. Very strong rip currents will be present around the coast over the next 6 to 8 days. Bathers and shoreline anglers are most at risk and extreme caution is advised Spring Tide happens twice every month, at full moon and at new moon. Spring Tides bring a higher than normal high tide and a lower than normal low tide, causing stronger than normal rip currents, for a few days leading up to the full moon OR new moon, peaking on the day of the full moon OR new moon and lasting for a few days after the full moon OR new moon. There are two high tides and two low tides every day. During Spring Tide the twice daily high tides are higher than normal and the twice daily low tides are lower than normal and while rip currents are always present and dangerous the Spring Tide creates stronger than normal rip currents and hence the danger is increased. Rip Currents are caused when the water reaching the shoreline in waves, swells and sea currents needs to find a way to retreat back into the sea and this is achieved in rip currents (a river of water retreating through the incoming swells back out into the sea). There are two types of rip currents, permanent rip currents, found alongside islands, rocky outcrops jutting into the sea, at river mouths, in between reefs and alongside harbour walls and piers, are found constantly occurring in the same place allowing the water reaching the shoreline to retreat back into the sea in the permanent rip current. Temporary rip currents, found along beach fronts (along the shoreline), are forever changing their position and are unpredictable and can form suddenly along a beach front without warning at different places along the shore front throughout the day. During Spring Tide these permanent rip currents and temporary rip currents are stronger than normal and although rip currents at all times pose a danger to bathers they pose the greatest danger during the Spring Tide. Bathers are at risk of being swept out to sea by rip currents while swimming or wading in water along the beach front. Even bathers wading in shallow water who find themselves trapped in a rip current that forms suddenly are at risk of being swept out to sea by rip currents. Bathers caught in a rip current should not panic. Simply stay afloat by treading water (moving your arms and legs in circular movements), don’t try to swim against the current as it will only cause you exhaustion and let the current sweep you out to sea but at your first opportunity swim parallel to the beach front until you are free of the rip current and then use the incoming waves to get back to shore. While this is happening scream for help and wave your arm to alert people on the beach to raise the alarm. Swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and obey the instructions of the lifeguards and only swim within the safe swimming zones lifeguards mark (using their red and yellow flags). Children should have responsible adult supervision at all times around coastal and inland waters and at swimming pools. Anglers fishing along the shoreline, particularly along rocks on the shoreline, are at greatest risk during the Spring Tide where incoming waves during the high tides engulf higher than normal over rocks. Anglers should not turn their back to the sea and should be vigilant and cautious of the wave action at all times while fishing. Boaters, paddlers, sail boarders and anyone launching any kind of craft onto water should wear their life-jackets at all times while on water and carry easily accessible safety equipment - red distress flares, communications cellphone or VHF radio with fully charged batteries in water tight plastic sleeves, a waterproof torch, highly visible neon coloured clothing, a referee whistle worn around the neck, a silver emergency foil blanket, and let a responsible person know your time of departure, your exact intended route and your estimated return time, stick to your plans and check in with the responsible person on your safe return. (If you are overdue the responsible person should raise the alarm without hesitation).   

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

SA National Weather and Disaster Observations: 3 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: Gale force southeasterly (35 KT/ 65 km/h) winds are expected between Cape Point and Cape Columbine in the morning.  

WATCHES: 1. Severe thunderstorms are expected over the northern and central parts of the Eastern Cape, southern Free State and the extreme southeast of the Northern Cape. 2. Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in places over the eastern half of the Northern Cape. 

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: ------Nil 

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  Fire teams responded to a fire call on LionsHead, Sea Point side yesterday afternoon.  The fire spread quickly as a result of a near gale force wind blowing in the area.  Firefighters were fighting the fire throughout the night.  Here are a few images of the fire.

Image via Twitter (Click on images for larger view.)

MSBWX General Weather Observations: Cool, warm to hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Free State, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal. Scattered rain showers can be expected in parts of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. Severe thunderstorms are expected over the northern and central parts of the Eastern Cape, southern Free State and the extreme southeast of the Northern Cape. 

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: ----Nil

NSRI National Warnings:  ------Nil 

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS 

Eden and George reveal fire hazard plan

Eden District Municipality's fire brigade and Working for Fire members conducting a controlled fire.The public has been asked to be patient and endure the smoke when controlled fires take place, as this will be good for the long-term.

GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality and the Eden District Municipality confirmed in a joint statement, issued on Tuesday, that a wildfire Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plan for the whole of George is in place following a risk assessment report tabled earlier in 2014. "The implementation of this wildfire DRR plan in terms of creating fire breaks and controlled block burns has not been completed due to adverse weather conditions - George has had 67mm of rainfall over the past month. However, as a correction to the article placed in last week's George Herald, the two authorities would like to advise that there is full commitment from both the local and the district authorities to assist with the implementation of the plan." The local authorities' statement was issued in reaction to a report in the George Herald war-ning of the fire hazard that currently exists on the borders of George.

 The statement further reads:

 "The safety of the citizens of George is paramount and, despite capacity and budgetary constraints, the good working relations established with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between George Municipality and Eden District Municipality several years ago will be continued. "Should adverse weather conditions hamper the continued implementation of the wildfire DRR plan, particularly prior to the festive season, work will continue in early 2015. Controlled block burns are generally burnt in small blocks, not only to make the fire more controllable, but also to curtail the side-effects of smoke on those suffering with lung and asthmatic conditions. "CapeNature, who has indicated that the months of November and February are generally the best months to implement controlled block burns, has assisted Eden District Municipality over the past few months with the clearing of approximately 10km of firebreaks along the Outeniqua Mountains. Such cooperation between the local authorities remains a key factor in ensuring the safety of George."

Edens District Municipality's Manager of Emergency Services Gerhard Otto confirmed in a joint statement that areas near the borders of Heatherlands and Denneoord are to be tackled in controlled fires to rid the area of invasive alien plant infestation.

ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST

Suid Kaap Nooddienste toegerus vir noodgevalle

'n Reddingswerker word uit die EMS-reddingshelikopter gesak tydens 'n reddings-oefening.

EDEN DISTRIK NUUS - Hulle is die eerste mense wat jy kontak wanneer daar 'n noodgeval is en bedien die Eden-distrik 24 uur, 365 dae per jaar.

Metro-nooddienste wil hê inwoners in Eden moet gerus voel dat hul paramedici en reddingswerkers goed opgelei en toegerus is om enige noodgeval, in samewerking met ander nooddienste soos die brandweer, polisie, die nasionale seereddingsinstituut (NSRI) en ander rolspelers te hanteer.

Die Wes-Kaapse mediese noodreddingsdienste bestaan uit vier komponente: die kommunikasiesentrum, ambulansdiens, reddingdienste en beplande vervoer.

Richard Botha, reddingsbestuurder in die Eden-distrik, sê kommunikasie is die hantering van die noodoproep na hul noodnommer 10177, die ambulansdiens behels die vervoer van pasiënte, reddingswerk sluit in die bevryding en redding van beseerde pasiënte en hul beplande vervoerstelsel behels die vervoer van pasiënte tussen die hospitale en ook van die verskillende dorpe na George en Kaapstad.

Die span, wat deur Botha gelei word, is goed opgelei en bestaan uit 12 reddingsafdelings waaronder andere motorvoertuigredding, waterredding, soek- en seeredding, geboue of strukture wat in mekaar stort en die redding van 'n pasiënt met 'n helikopter. Die Skymed 2, die mediese reddingshelikopter van EMS, is verantwoordelik vir die redding en vervoer van pasiënte. Lede van die Nasionale Seereddingsinstituut (NSRI) is ook deel van die waterreddingspan.

Vir alle noodgevalle kan die publiek die noodsentrum skakel by 10177 en die NSRI 082 990 5955 vir enige seereddings en moontlike verdrinkings.

Wanneer persone 'n ambulans benodig is die volgende inligting belangrik:

• Wat is die noodgeval
• Naam en van van oproeper
• Adres waar die ambulans benodig word

As die noodgeval in 'n informele nedersetting is, is dit belangrik om 'n punt wat bekend is naaste aan u huis te noem om sodoende te help dat die ambulans vinniger by die nood geval kan uitkom.
'n Telefoonnommer sodat u gekontak kan word indien die ambulans nie die adres kry nie of meer inligting benodig word.

Wenke vir noodgevalle
Indien u die ambulans skakel moet u kalm bly en alle vrae van die operateurs beantwoord.

Indien noodvoertuie met hul rooi ligte en sirenes op pad is moet u sover moontlik, en as dit veilig is om so te doen, pad gee vir die noodvoertuig deur na die linkerkant te beweeg sodat die voertuig u aan die regterkant kan verby gaan.

Indien u op 'n ongeluk afkom, is die inligting soos bo gemeld belangrik. Hoeveel mense is betrokke in die ongelukke, is enige van hulle nog binne voertuig, reageer hulle of is hulle bewusteloos en ook of hulle dalk vasgepen is, is van die inligting wat u aan die operateurs kan deurgee.

Moenie persone uit die voertuig haal behalwe in die geval wanneer die voertuig aan die brand is of daar 'n moontlike brand kan ontstaan nie.

Die bergreddingspan oefen op 'n maandelikse basis met die reddingshelikopter om 'n professionele, kwaliteit diens in tye van nood te lewer. Hulle het ook onlangs met die vlieëniers hul naglanding-oefensessies suksesvol afgehandel. Foto: Lizette da Silva

- George Herald

30 Reasons to Use Social Media in an Emergency-, Severe Weather- and Disaster Situations

1. It’s real time

2. It’s self correcting

3. It instantly connects you to millions of people around the globe.

4. It never sleeps.

5. It connects you to hundreds, if not thousands, of relief agencies.

6. It connects you to thousands of emergency response professionals.

7. It's almost always at the scene of an emergency when it happens – or it’s there moments afterwards.

8. It let's emergency responders monitor actual conversations at the scene of the emergency in real time

9. It provides numerous, real-time reports on the effects of the emergency.

10. It provides real-time photos of the effects of an emergency.

11. It provides real-time videos of the effects of an emergency.

12. It provides numerous, real-time reports on the success or failure of relief efforts.

13. It provides real-time photos of the success or failure of relief efforts.

14. It provides real-time videos of the success or failure of relief efforts.

15. It takes away much of the guesswork of emergency response.

16. On Twitter, hashtags let emergency responders, those in need of relief, relief workers and volunteers focus their listening and conversations to streamline the process of providing assistance when and where it is needed most.

17. It can provide real-time injury/casualty reports.

18. It can give real-time information on missing, separated or found emergency victims.

19. GPS capabilities can let rescuers know exactly where victims are.

20. GPS capabilities, as well as information from conversations shared, can help with crisis mapping.

21. Listening to social conversation can provide critical information on developing crises and permit the introduction of information within the same networks that may defuse a crisis.

22. Armies of volunteers stand at the ready to assist in the sifting of information.

23. You don't have to worry about matching or changing radio frequencies. (Not to worry, Twitter users know to turn to Facebook when the “fail whale” appears!)

24. The public already turns to social networks when an emergency occurs; they’re already there listening and communicating when emergency response professionals are ready to communicate.

25. It’s a powerful way of communicating emergency preparedness information to a vast audience of listeners from an incredibly diverse demographic spectrum.

26. Numerous, well-established accounts with scores of followers can be tapped to help curate critical information and pass it on to millions (Naysayers, please revisit point 2.)

27. The vastness of social network usage lets information be targeted as well.

28. You can tap into nearly any resource in a single tweet.

29.  Twitter Lists can be used to identify particular sources or resources.

30. It's easy to use….

- Gilmore

MSBWX + SAWXREP COMMENT:  It all depends on whether the Social Media (Internet + Cellphones) are up and running during an emergency or disaster.  However with many relief organizations and first time emergency response officials using Intranet or  Broadband - Hamnet an alternative is available during emergencies or disasters irrespective if the Internet or cellphones are up and running. It is my personal opinion that Social Media are the most valuable tool today available during emergencies or disasters.

Eden firefighters show rest of SA how it's done

Two Western Cape firefighters have been crowned South Africa's "Toughest Firefighters Alive" following a gruelling competition at the weekend.

 Miranda Fourie, 33, dazzled in the female category while Emile Conrad, 29, was the top male. Both are employed by the Eden Municipality in George.

They beat 130 contestants from across the country who battled it out during a two-day competition at the Good Hope Centre, in Cape Town, on Friday and Saturday. They had to complete four arduous tasks, including dragging an 80kg dummy and scaling a staircase of 300 steps while wearing full fire-fighting gear. They also carried two 4.6m ladders and pulled 80m of hosepipe.

Conrad finished his tasks in seven minutes and 54 seconds while Fourie completed hers in 15min 18sec. Competitors came from Midvaal in Gauteng, eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal, Mangaung in the Free State and Buffalo City in Eastern Cape.

Fourie said she had been training for more than a year and was happy her efforts had paid off. Said Fourie: "The women from Durban were very strong but I made it through, thanks to my training. I am going to start [ training] now for next year." Conrad said: "We put in a lot of hard work and it is awesome to see the results.

I will definitely do it again. It is a morale booster." Each received a gold medal and R5000. Mark Smith, the event coordinator, said 130 competitors took part, 10 of them women. He said like the World Firefighter Games, the competition promoted firefighters' health and fitness. "People don't fully understand what we do, so this is one way to educate them. Firefighting is an important career. We save lives and protect property," he said.

- Times Live

Note:  Congratulations to both winners from Eden.  You make the Southern Cape proud.  Well done!!

Oudtshoorn: Brand verwoes huis

Brandweermanne en vrywilligers lê nog brandslange aan om die vuur te bestry. Foto's: Hannes Visser

OUDTSHOORN NUUS - Die boonste verdieping met alle huisraad van 'n huis by Schoemanshoek is gisteroggend deur 'n brand verwoes.

Pieter Strauss, 'n finansiële raadgewer, en sy vrou Esmarie, 'n onderwyseres by Hoërskool Gimnasium was beide by die werk toe bure hulle bel met die nuus dat hulle huis besig is om af te brand.

Volgens bure het 'n boer van die omgewing vanaf die grottepad die vuur gesien en by Thorntree gastehuis alarm gaan maak. Louis Lategan van Thorntree sê hy het onmiddelik omgejaag na die brandende huis, maar bure en werkers het toe reeds die voordeur oopgebreek en begin om huisraad en besittings na buite te dra. Teen daardie tyd was die hele boonste vedieping in ligte laaie en geen huisraad kon daar verwyder word nie.

Met die aankoms van die Oudtshoorn Courant was dosyne vrywilligers steeds besig om huisraad te verwyder en op veilige afstand in die tuin te pak. 'n Sterk wind het die vuur wat op die boonste verdieping gewoed het aangeblaas. Verskeie vrywilligers het ook hulp aan brandweerpersoneel aangebied en selfs op die dak geklim en gehelp met die waterslange.

Pieter en Esmarie was nog te geskok op die toneel om kommentaar te lewer en het hulle hande volgehad om seker te maak dat waardevolle items en vuurwapens veilig bewaar word.

Smuts van Rensburg, 'n gereelde rubriekskrywer, leraar en buurman van die Strausse het gesê die vuur het geweldig vinnig versprei. "Dit is ongelooflik hoe vining so iets gebeur, maar dit is net so ongelooflik om te sien hoe mense van oral opdaag om te help."

Ongeveer twee ure nadat die vuur aangemeld is het die boonste verdieping se vloer en dakbalke steeds gesmeul, maar alle huisraad was vanuit die grondverdieping verwyder. 'n Vriend van die gesin het gereel dat 'n meubelwa die meubels oplaai om geberg te word.

Dit was teen saktyd onbekend wat die oorsaak van die vuur was en die omvang van die skade kon ook nog nie bereken word nie, maar beloop vermoedelik honderde duisende rande.

Lees meer HIER EN HIER.

- Oudtshoorn Courant

Cape Town: Residents do not have to be alarmed by Koeberg siren tests

A full volume siren test of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Public Warning System will be conducted on Wednesday 5 March 2014 between 10:00 and 12:00. The sirens form part of the Koeberg Emergency Plan. The tests will be conducted in Atlantis, Duynefontein, Melkbosstrand, Van Riebeeckstrand, Philadelphia, Bloubergstrand, Bloubergrandt, West Beach, Sunningdale, Parklands, Robben Island and the farms surrounding the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

If necessary, individual sirens may be re-tested on Thursday 6 March and Friday 7 March for maintenance purposes. The City will also do the necessary testing from the Disaster Risk Management Centre in Goodwood as part of its mandate to ensure public protective actions in a case of a nuclear emergency arising from the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

Wilfred Solomons Johannes, the City of Cape Town’s acting head for the Disaster Operations Centre, said the tests are part of a routine inspection to ensure that all the sirens are in working condition. ‘Residents do not have; to panic this is only a test. We ask the community to ensure that their pets are indoors or are in an area where they cannot escape.

Due to the volume and the sound of the wailing test tone, dogs have been known to run away from their homes. Residents also need to switch off their radio and televisions in order to hear the Public Address announcements informing them about the test,’ said Solomons-Johannes.

The public can contact the Koeberg Stakeholder Management on 021 550 5227 for information or to report a faulty/damaged siren.

End

Issued by: Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department, City of Cape Town

George: Man (20) verdwyn in see

Twee van die vermiste man se mede sokkerafrigters, 'n Ier en 'n Engelsman, is deur ER 24 op die toneel behandel .

GEORGE NUUS - 'n 20-jarige lid van die George Sportakademie in Thembalethu word vermis na hy vanmiddag omstreeks 13:00, slegs 'n paar 100 meter van die NRSI-basis by Wildernisstrand, in die see verdwyn het.

Twee van sy mede sokkerafrigters, 'n Ier en 'n Engelsman, is deur ER 24 op die toneel behandel en na die hospitaal geneem nadat hulle ook in die moeilikheid in die onstuimige see beland het.

Hulle het albei water ingeneem en het baie ongemak verduur.

Die buitelanders is deel van 'n opleidingsuitruilprogram by die akademie wat voorheen as OAM Sports Academy bekend gestaan het.

Die vermiste het die o/17 sokker-span afgerig.

- George Herald

Missing tourist rescued in Vic Bay, George

GEORGE NEWS - A 76-year-old British tourist was rescued from a ditch in George after she was reported missing, Western Cape police said.

"She was found severely dehydrated in a ditch on the grounds of Carmel Guest Farm near Victoria Bay, George, on Thursday night said police spokesman Captain Malcolm Pojie.

She went missing on Wednesday. Staff noticed she did not turn up for breakfast on Thursday.

"On investigating her whereabouts, they found that she did not even sleep in her bed and immediately alerted the local police," said Pojie.

Police dogs found her in the ditch where she had spent almost 24 hours exposed to rain and cold.

The woman was transferred to hospital where she is recovering.

Source : Sapa

Video: Amateur Radio Exhibition: Dias Festival 2014 - Mossel Bay

Video: MSBWX - Mossel Bay Weather

Comment: My apology for the quality of the video. This was shot from the hand without a tripod and the light in the building was not good. Unfortunately I do not possess a decent video-cam that can take pro videos.

Emergency Communications in action during the Dias Festival in Mossel Bay (30 January 2014 - 2 February 2014)

"The arrival of the Portugese seafarer Bartolomeu Dias and his fleet in Mossel Bay on the 3 February 1488 sparked a significant meeting of cultures that would have a profound effect on the history of South Africa as we know it today.  It also gave Mossel Bay a unique place in history of our country."  - Alderlady Marie Ferreira, Executive Mayor.

The meeting of cultures continue and there was no exception this past few days.  Amateur Radio was privileged to find it's rightful place amongst the following exhibitors at the Diaz Festival: 

• Various SAPS Static Displays
• Correctional Service Displays
• Western Cape Forensic Pathology Services
• Mossel Bay Fire Brigade
• Joint Operational Centre (JOC)

An amateur radio station and exhibition of equipment were displayed  in the old power station building in Mossel Bay under the hospice of the Southern Cape Amateur Radio Club.  This was one of the largest amateur radio exhibitions ever in the Mossel Bay area. Various aspects of amateur radio were demonstrated to the public but the main theme constituted amateur radio emergency communications - Ham Radio is there to provide primary communications when all else fails!.

The following aspects of amateur radio were demonstrated and displayed to the public:

• HF Radio Communications
• Digital Modes
• Homebrew (home-built) HF Receivers
• History of Radio (Static display of Valve HF Radios and Morse Code Keys)
• VHF/UHF Radio Communications
• Computer use in Amateur Radio
• APRS as a mode for use in Search and Rescue Missions
• Various APRS Trackers and Software for use in Search and Rescue Missions
• The linking of Smart Phones and Amateur Radio during Search and Rescue Missions
• Various videos were projected on a large screen for the public to view (DXpedition video to the Orkney Island, Emergency Communications during the 2001 Tsunami Disaster and Amateur Radio Today - Emergency Communications)
• HAMNET - Emergency Communications Division of the South African Radio League

The exhibition were visited by members of the general public, Western Cape Area General of  the SAPS and various radio amateurs from  the Southern Cape Area.  Radio contact was established on HF, VHF and Echolink throughout the weekend. A special contact was established with the South African Radio League President, Rassie Erasmus ZS1YT on Saturday morning where he expressed best wishes and appreciation to all involved in the exhibition.  Another special contact was also made with Pierre Tromp (ZS1HF),  Hamnet Western Cape on the '7,110 Emergency Net'.

This was a great event and opportunity to also test emergency communications in and from the Southern Cape. A great success story.  I would like to thank every single person that contacted or rendered any help to make this special event such a huge success.   We are looking forward to the 2015 Diaz Festival where cultures meet.  So if you did not visit our exhibition this year come and visit us in 2015 and enjoy our display and company at one of the greatest festivals in South Africa.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the following radio amateurs who ensured that this event was such a great success:

Hans Potgieter ZS6ALJ
Sharon Malcolm ZS1SLM
Abe Swiegelaar ZS1ZS
Willie Hewitt ZS2CC
Nico Oelofse ZS4N
Sarel Nienaber ZS1SGN
Ben en Elrica van der Merwe ZS1BEN + ZS1BEL
Beat Streckeinsen  ZS1HB
Thys Louw ZS1TBP
Raymond de Kock ZS1RAY
All radio amateurs that established contact with ZS1SKR (To many to mention here)

Photo Album:

Images: MSBWX (Click on images for larger view.)

Videos to be uploaded soon.

- MSBWX