MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Months of planning and hard work came together on Saturday, 31 August at the official launch of Rescue 15 and the re-dedication of the boathouse of Mossel Bay's NSRI Station.
Judd Smook, Deputy Station Commander spoke a few welcoming words after which Deputy Station Commander Arno Cloete acknowledged the many donors and other people who played a big role behind the scenes.
Past Station Commander Dawie Zwiegelaar thanked the various role players who made the new boat a reality for Mossel Bay.
He compared the NSRI crew to apples, saying the volunteers at times literally have to pick casualties from the ocean, care for them, see to them being treated properly and to compassionately reassure their families. He handed a tie with all the names of the past station commanders embroidered on it to current Station Commander, André Fraser.
In his address, Mr Fraser said the new boat brought new energy and a positive vibe to the crew. He thanked the volunteers for their dedication and hard work in preparing the boathouse and station for the big event.
It was particularly fitting to have the outgoing CEO of NSRI, Mr Ian Wienberg and new CEO, Dr Cleeve Robertson attending the dedication. Mr Wienberg's efforts to find the new boat and have it delivered to Mossel Bay is much appreciated. The hope was expressed that he would visit often, although not necessarily in an official capacity and that a strong relationship with the Mossel Bay station will follow.
JC Roos and Judd Smook received certificates for five years' service while Samantha Mc Alpine was recognised for 10 years' service. The Directors Certificate of Thanks went to Dawie Zwiegelaar for his 12 years of dedicated service as Station Commander. The handover was done by André Fraser and Ian Wienberg.
Mr Wienberg said he believed Mossel Bay is South Africa's best kept secret and that he loves visiting the town because of its people. He added that he feels honoured that his last official NSRI function was in Mossel Bay and wished the crew the best of luck ahead.
A painting by local artist Frans Venter was presented to Dawie Zwiegelaar for his passionate and excellent leadership as Station Commander. The crew performed a song; "Home from the sea", and the love for what they are doing was palpable.
Ian Hamilton
Mr Ian Hamilton was a member of the steering committee that in 1969 initiated the NSRI Rescue Station in Mossel Bay. He has served at the station since its inception in 1971 in all the various ranks.
He was trained in the various boat classes, from the dingy that was first used, to the Breede. In 1995 he was appointed to the NSRI board of directors and served as regional director for the Southern Cape. He holds the title of Honorary Life Governor of Sea Rescue and the boathouse was fittingly renamed in his honour.
The boathouse and Brede was dedicated by Dr Mark Marais with the beautiful words of Psalm 8.
Guests were taken out on the Brede, despite the bad weather.
ARTICLE: TERSIA MARAIS - MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER
