#SAWeather and #Disaster #Observations South Africa : 26 January 2015 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 
 
WARNINGS: ------Nil 

WATCHES: ------Nil  

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: Hot and humid weather will result in extremely uncomfortable conditions in places over the eastern KwaZulu-Natal and the lowveld of Limpopo.  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations: Observations yesterday: Intense and dangerous lightning, strong wind, hail, heavy rain and flooding. (Gauteng,  Eastern Cape, Free State, Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga)

Images: Twitter and as indicated in each image.

MSBWX General Weather Observations:  Warm to very hot conditions expected today over parts of SA. Thunderstorms and rain showers can be expected in parts of  Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal and Free State. 

MSBWX National Disaster Observations: Fires: Fire fighting teams again battled several fires in the Western Cape.  A large fire also raged in Stikland at the SAB premises.

NSRI National Warnings and News: 

21 Rescued at Dappat se Gat:   At 16h25, Sunday, 25th January, NSRI Gordon’s Bay duty crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) following reports of people trapped by the incoming tide on a cove cut off by high tide at Dappat Se Gat, Koegelbaai, between Gordons Bay and Pringle Bay. It appears that groups of people had gone onto the popular sightseeing rocky outcrop during the current new moon Spring low tide not realising that high tide would cut them off from mainland and that the Spring tides high tide risked engulfing the rocky outcrop. Some of the people, realising their predicament, called for help and on arrival on-scene NSRI rescuers confirmed that the risk of getting rescue swimmers onto the cove was too great in the incoming tide. Rescue craft would not be able to get close enough to extricate the group of people from the sea side without incredible risk. At that stage it was estimated that at least 16 people were trapped and NSRI Simonstown, WC Government Health EMS rescue squad and the Red Cross AMS Skymed rescue helicopter were activated. NSRI Simonstown dispatched the rescue craft SPIRIT OF SAFMARINE III and the Skymed rescue helicopter responded to join NSRI Gordons Bay rescue swimmers that were on the scene on the shore and NSRI Gordons Bay rescue craft SPIRIT OF SURFSKI and INGE (a Swedish rescue runner) that were standing by on the scene. Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and the SA Police Services were also dispatched. The decision was taken to hoist as many people as possible in relays using the Skymed rescue helicopter before the high tide engulfed the cove. NSRI rescue swimmers and the rescue craft stood by to retrieve anyone who got swept into the ocean. It was then determined that a total of 20 people : 2 boys aged 7 and 8 years old, 10 adult men and 8 adult women. It appears that they were not aware of the new moon Spring tide and that the sea would cut off the popular rocky outcrop at high tide and risk being engulfed under water at high tide. (During normal tide these rocks are easily accessible even at high tide). A WC Government Health EMS rescue diver, Jason Higgins, was hoisted down from the Skymed rescue helicopter and supervised the successful rescue of all 20 people who were hoisted off by the rescue helicopter using a “short haul rescue technique”. Jason found all people safe. It appears that some of the people were unaware of the danger they were in but Jason called all of the people together and explained the situation and that they would all be extricated. As the tide rose, eventually everyone was huddled to a corner of the rocky outcrop and in relays of 5 persons at a time the “casualties” were kitted into harnesses by Jason and static line hoisted to mainland where additional rescuers were on hand to receive them. The rescue helicopter had reached its fuel limit when the last group were hoisted off and the helicopter was forced to return to base having successfully completed the rescue operation. It then emerged that one man was still trapped but he had not been in a position to indicate his entrapment due to the high seas and he was well hidden from view. Rescuers were only made aware of him after his wife indicated where the man had last been seen and that he remained outstanding. They are from Cape Town. A rescue team from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) was deployed from the land side and they rescued the 45 year old man after negotiating steep cliffs to reach the man. The rescued people were a group of people (16 people in total) from Kuils River aged between 28 and 34 and including the 7 year old and the 8 year old boy. From Pietermaritzburg, an elderly husband and wife. A Johannesburg adult man and the adult couple from Cape Town. In total 21 persons were rescued. When rescue teams were finally leaving the scene most of the rocks were engulfed by water. Even if the 21 people had huddled to the highest point it may only have been at around midnight tonight before they would have had any chance at low tide to get back to mainland and, dressed in normal day beach wear, it is predicted that most would have succumbed to hypothermia by then. A strong possibility that not all of the 21 people would have been able to remain on the cove in the incoming tide and at high tide and it is strongly suspected that a number of the people may have been swept into the sea. The rescue effort by the Red Cross AMS Skymed rescue helicopter team, WSAR, NSRI and the emergency services involved in this operation are commended for averting a mass casualty disaster today. - NSRI

All images: Twitter and as indicated in the images.

-MSBWX SAWXREP + SAWS

#Mosselbay - Yacht cruise turns nasty #SeaRescue #NSRI

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A pleasant cruise aboard their yacht from Cape St Francis to Mossel Bay turned nasty on Wednesday afternoon 14 January, as the Holmes couple neared the Mossel Bay harbour. Skipper James Holmes and his wife Diane say seeing the NSRI vessel appear in the rough sea to assist them was an utter relief. "The NSRI is our heroes. We are ever so thankful for the support and assistance we received from Station 15 of the Mossel Bay NSRI. They were on a routine training exercise and, was it not for their help, we would have been in a spot of real trouble. I was about to instruct Diane to get ready to abandon ship when they appeared and approached us," Mr Holmes says. Fairly strong winds of up to 30 knots had the skipper sailing bare pole and the waves sometimes towered over the yacht. "Nearing the harbour, we also found one of our engines had developed a problem. Just when things were looking rather dire, the NSRI Rescue 1 team came dashing through the waves - what a welcomed sight! They hailed us and asked if we needed assistance and did we ever! "With their help, we managed to navigate our way into the harbour, without it we would not have made it. They are without a doubt our heroes," says Mrs Holmes. Weather predictions reasonable When they had set out from Cape St Francis, the weather predictions were reasonable. It was only when nearing the Mossel Bay harbour that the conditions turned rough and they encountered heavy swells of up to six metres. The Holmes couple admit to being novices and has only been sailing for about two years. They and their cat are currently on a Trans Atlantic cruise on their way to the Kingdom of Tonga. "We would dearly love to thank Arno Cloete and his team of the NSRI for their help. Arno even approached us after we had moored to see whether there was anything else we needed. He went the extra mile and we are very grateful," the Holmes couple told the Mossel Bay Advertiser. The NSRI, on a routine exercise approached the Dayo 1 and assisted the vessel into the harbour. Photo supplied

ARTICLE: NICKEY LE ROUX, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST

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 : 3 January 2015 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 
 
WARNINGS: Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in places over the eastern parts of the Northern Cape.  

WATCHES: -----Nil

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: Hot and humid weather will result in extremely uncomfortable conditions over the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga Lowveld and the southern Lowveld of Limpopo. 

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  A few isolated thunderstorms occurred yesterday in the Eastern Cape (East London) and Kwazulu Natal (Ladysmith, Estcourt, Drakensberg area)  Although no severe weather reports were received of hail and heavy rain. 

Images: Twitter via StormReport SA

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, Free State, Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal.   

MSBWX National Disaster Observations:   Several drownings already occurred during the holiday season in South Africa. Drownings are preventable. Heed lifeguard warnings and swim under supervision, in demarcated and designated areas. We need to be vigilant and alert at all times especially were children are playing or swimming in water.

NSRI National Warnings: SPRING TIDE RIP CURRENT WARNING: With more people on the beaches at this time of the year NSRI are urging the public to be extra cautious between now and the 8th January during the Full Moon Spring Tide, which will peak on the full moon on Monday 05 January and that will cause stronger than normal rip currents around the coast starting from today, peaking on Monday 05th January and lasting until around the 09th January. NSRI are urging extreme public caution around the coast over the next 8 days. The main concern is that a lot of people will be on beaches over this weekend as the Spring Tide builds towards peaking on Monday 5th. The FULL MOON SPRING TIDE peaks on Monday 05th January. Very strong rip currents will be present around the coast from today and over the next 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 and the new moon, peaking on the day of the full moon and 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). -ENDS- TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE  - NSRI

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

#SAWeather and #Disaster #Observations South Africa : 28 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SAWS DID NOT UPDATE THEIR PDF REGIONAL WEATHER WARNINGS/FORECAST THIS MORNING.

WARNINGS: No update by SAWS 

WATCHES: No update by SAWS

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: No update by SAWS

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  Heavy rain and flooding were observed in parts of Gauteng, Eastern Cape and the North West Province yesterday.  No reports of serious damage was received. 

Further heavy rain, thunderstorms and flooding is expected in parts of Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces today.

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, Free State and Kwazulu Natal.  Rough seas is still expected along the Western- , Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal coast up until Wednesday this week. Holiday makers are advised to take note of the rough sea conditions. Boaters, paddlers, sail boarders and anyone launching any kind of craft onto water are advised to stay ashore until the sea conditions improved. Bathers must only swim where life guards are on duty and in demarcated areas.  

MSBWX National Disaster Observations:An AirAsia plane with 162 people aboard lost contact with ground control soon after takeoff from Indonesia this morning. Search is underway. More info follow @SAWXREP  

NSRI National Warnings: NSRI are urging bathers to be extremely cautious while rough seas and strong rip currents continue to be experienced around the coast. TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE 

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

#SAWeather and #Disaster #Observations South Africa : 27 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: -----Nil  

WATCHES: Heavy rain that may lead to localised flooding expected in places over Gauteng, Limpopo, eastern parts of North West, central and eastern Free State,extreme northern and western Mpumalanga and the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. 

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:  Rough sea conditions during spring high tide in the early hours of this morning (Friday, 26th December) caused some flood damage to some roads, and to some houses, CoCT Disaster Risk Management evacuated a camping site at Silverstroomstrand. In some cases debris, kelp and flotsam washed onto some beaches and over some roads along parts of the West Coast and a part of the False Bay Coast. City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management conducted mopping up operations where areas were affected and relocated to higher ground affected campers at a camp site in Silverstroomstrand. Areas along the coast that were affected by rough seas during the early hours of this morning, were Melkbosstrand, Milnerton, Hout Bay, Kleinbaai, part of Bloubergstrand, Derde Steen, Tweede Steen, Riebeekstrand, Silverstroomstrand – on the West Coast and parts of Baden Powell Drive – on the False Bay Coast which has been temporarily closed by authorities due to debris and sea sand washed onto the road and cleaning operations are underway by the City of Cape Town authorities to reopen Baden Powell Drive. NSRI, Lifeguards and the Emergency Services have been placed on high alert today.

Images: NSRI (Click on images for larger view)

Holiday makers along Atlantic coastline left underwater by high tide conditions 

Images: Disaster Management Cape Town (Click on images for larger view.)

 · Campers at Silwerstroomstrand beach moved to higher ground
 · Flood waters receding after 8 metre of wave heights occurred during early hours of the morning
 · Disaster management and other public safety authorities placed on high-alert for expected further above normal high tides this evening
 · South African Weather Service issued warning of high seas with wave heights from 6-9m expected between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay today (Friday)
 · Appeal made to homeowners, bathers and campers to exercise extreme caution due to big swells along coastlines
 · Three bathers rescued after been washed off Kalk Bay Harbour seawall Coastal towns and resorts along the Atlantic and False Bay coastline were left swamped after tidal surge during the early hours of this morning forced closure of beach roads and campers to move to higher ground.

Although flood waters were reported to be receding, the weather warning remains in force for high seas with wave heights from 6 – 9 metres expected for the remainder of the day (Friday) between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay. At 06:00 AM this morning the South African Weather Service observed high tides peaking at 8 metres at Slangkop near Cape Point. The high tide conditions resulted in flooding of roads and camping areas due to the rough sea conditions during Spring High Tide in the early hours. The City’s disaster response teams commenced with mopping-up the Baden Powell coastal Road between Muizenberg and Strandfontein that was completely flooded after 06:00 AM this morning. The roadway will remain closed under the area has been cleared and made safe. The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre confirms that the rough seas and high tide conditions did not claim any lives, however it caused major disruption on roadways and camping areas at coastal resorts this morning. Between 05:00 and 06:00 this morning whilst most of holidaymakers were asleep tidal waters flooded tent and caravan camping sites at Ganzekraal on the West Coast, Silwerstroomstrand Beach near Mamre and Atlantis as well as the coastline between Melkbosstrand until Milnerton Lagoon on the Atlantic Seaboard. The chalets at the Kleinbaai Resort near Melkbosstrand were standing under water this morning and stagnant water was visible in the recreational areas. The subway at Dalebrook Tidal Pool was completely flood and benches have washed into the pool. The coastal roads between Hout Bay, Kalk Bay, Muizenberg, Strandfontein, Gordon’s Bay and Strand along the False Bay coastline were also flooded. The City of Cape Town commenced with relocating holidaymakers to higher ground and mopping-up coastal roads from debris, kelp and flotsam. The high tide this morning had prompted fears of further flooding but passed without major incident. An appeal is made to members of the public and bathers to pay very close attention to advice from the disaster management officials, law enforcement authorities and emergency services. The Cape Town Office of the South African Weather Service predicts that temperatures would be mild over the weekend between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. The City’s has placed disaster response teams and other public safety authorities on high-alert for another possible flood event this evening at 18:00 PM during high tide. The public are reminded that there will be a second high tide this evening and, although not anticipated to cause problems, there is still the potential for flooding of coastal areas. The City is monitoring the situation and if the circumstances worsen support and cooperation from other government entities and auxiliary organisations will be invoked. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), lifeguards and emergency services will remain on high alert throughout the day. This morning on-duty lifeguards rescued three (3) bathers that were washed off the Kalk Bay Harbour seawall by rough sea conditions. A general caution is issued urging 'sightseers' and bathers to stay away from harbours, seawalls and rocks and exercising caution at tidal pools due to massive swells and rough sea conditions. The City of Cape Town will continue to monitor further developments relating to the weather system. The public is urged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio.

- Disaster Management Cape Town 

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, Western Cape (Karoo), Free State and Kwazulu Natal.  Rough seas is still expected along the Western- , Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal coast this weekend. Holiday makers are advised to take note of the rough sea conditions. Boaters, paddlers, sail boarders and anyone launching any kind of craft onto water are advised to stay ashore until the sea conditions improved. Bathers must only swim where life guards are on duty and in demarcated areas.  

MSBWX National Disaster Observations:  -----Nil

NSRI National Warnings: Tidal surge caused 150 people to be swept out to sea: Lifeguards have confirmed that a drowning victim, an adult male, has not been recovered at Salmon Bay, Ballito following a drowning accident. Then at Addington Beach, Durban, lifeguards reported that a tidal surge caused 150 people to be swept out to sea. One person, an adult male, drowned and his body was recovered. Ethekweni lifeguards rescued the people and KZN-EMRS paramedics treated 40 people for near drowning symptoms but none were required to be transported to hospital. At 16h39, Friday, 26th December, NSRI Durban responded to Addington Beach following reports of a mass drowning incident. On arrival on-scene Ethekweni lifeguards and KZN EMRS confirmed that all people (unknown to NSRI the number of people involved) had been rescued from the surf by lifeguards and required no further assistance. NSRI are urging bathers to be extremely cautious over this weekend while rough seas and strong rip currents continue to be experienced around the coast. TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE 

- MSBWX + SAWXREP + SAWS

#SAWeather and #Disaster #Observations South Africa : 24 December 2014 04h00 SAST - MSBWX

SAWS SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: 

WARNINGS: ------Nil  

WATCHES: Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in places in the eastern and northern parts of Northern Cape. 

SPECIAL WEATHER ADVISORIES: 1. Hot and humid weather will result in extremely uncomfortable conditions in the lowveld areas of Limpopo province. 2. Extremely hot temperatures are expected in places in the lowveld of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.  

MSBWX National Severe Weather Observations:  Reports were received of heavy rain and hail in and around Durban yesterday afternoon.  Images:  Lauren Elton, Nicola Piper Krull and Nadia Handlinger. The first two images via Storm Report SA. 

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, Free State and Kwazulu Natal.  

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

SEA RESCUE – Knysna – Monday, 10th November, 2014. Dutch tourist casualty evacuated from remote area:

Jerome Simonis, NSRI Knysna station commander, said:  "At 15h15, Monday, 10th November, NSRI Knysna duty crew were activated following reports from Police of a Dutch tourist injured in a remote part of the Drupkelders hiking trail, near Rheenendal, in the Knysna SA National Parks forest. "The SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS and an NSRI Knysna rescue team responded to the remote location. "While Drupkelders is a relatively short hiking trail of only 3.6km it involves vertical cliff traversing making it a barely accessible and remote area. "A river guide reported to have been guiding a 31 year old Dutch man and his 26 year old female partner through Drupkelders hiking trail when the man had reportedly jumped into a rock pool and sustained a suspected compound fracture to the lumbar spine. "The injured man is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and his partner a General Surgeon, from Amsterdam, and they remained where they were not wanting to move the injured man fearing complicating the injury while the guide hiked a vertical cliff trail to reach an area where he had a cellphone signal to raise the alarm. "On arrival at the parking area, in overcast weather conditions, rescuers were met by the guide and hiked a kilometre down steep vertical cliffs to reach the Goukamma River and from there 6 NSRI Knysna rescue swimmers, accompanied by the river guide, then swam upstream searching for the two hikers. The swim upstream involved going over numerous waterfalls. "A kilometre upstream the two hikers were found with the injured man in a serious condition. "Full C-Spine immobilisation was applied and the man was loaded into a specialised floating Stokes Basket sea rescue stretcher and gently swum down stream, with special care being taken to get down the numerous waterfalls, and in some instances with no other option, because of the steep rocky cliffs and the barely accessible terrain, required floating the stretcher over the waterfalls, to reach where the Police and EMS paramedics were waiting a kilometre downstream. "Paramedics then treated the man and intravenous therapy and pain medications were administered and with the injured man in a stable but serious condition a rope and pulley system was rigged to haul the stretcher a kilometre up a steep cliff to reach the parking area. "A Medlife ambulance has transported the man to hospital in a serious but stable condition, accompanied by his partner. "The name of the man has not been released by Police pending family abroad being informed of his wellbeing and of the care he is receiving and the Dutch Consulate have been alerted." -ENDS- NSRI

SEA RESCUE – Hartenbos and Victoria Bay – 26th September, 2014. Spring Tide rip currents claim two incidents

Rip currents during the peak of the New Moon Spring Tide claimed two incidents in the Southern Cape.

Spring tide happens at New Moon and again at Full Moon every month, causing a higher than normal high tide and a lower than normal low tide and hence stronger than normal rip currents affecting the entire coastline.

On Wednesday, 24th September, 17h59, NSRI Mossel Bay were alerted to children being swept out to sea in rip currents at Hartenbos, near Mossel Bay. Police, WC Government Health EMS and NSRI Mossel Bay, who launched the sea rescue craft VODACOM RESCUER IV, responded and on NSRI’s arrival on-scene EMS paramedics were attending to a 60 year old man, from Upington, who reportedly got into difficulty in strong rip currents while trying to help 2 children who had been caught in the rip currents.

It appears that the children got out of the water safely and were not injured but the 60 year old man who had gone to their assistance struggled to get out of the surf but managed to reach the beach where EMS paramedics attended to him. He was transported to hospital by EMS ambulance for observation for secondary drowning and later released from hospital.

On Thursday, 25th September, 13h39, NSRI Wilderness and Police responded to Victoria Bay, near George, where a man was reportedly in difficulty in rip currents. On arrival on-scene the local man, aged in his mid 30’s, was already out of the water and not injured and he refused any assistance.

It appears that the man may have been swept out to sea in rip currents but managed to reach rocks and was then able to negotiate his way to safety and he was not injured and refused further assistance. NSRI are urging the public to be aware of rip currents and parents are urged to educate their children on the dangers of rip currents. For more information on rip currents visit www.nsri.org.za

Caution is advised for bathers, anglers and paddlers over this coming weekend where the effects of the New Moon Spring Tide, which peaked on the 24th September, will still be felt.

 -ENDS-

Released by: Craig Lambinon SEA RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS

NSRI urging extreme caution around the coast

SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS -  The NSRI warns in a statement that the full moon spring tide peaks on Tuesday 9 September and this being the third super moon in a row very strong rip currents are predicted to be present around the coast over the next 7 days.

Bathers and shoreline anglers are most at risk.

It is feared that good weather being experienced during this Spring Tide, around 9 September, and rough sea conditions will put more people 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 the spring tide creates stronger than normal rip currents.

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 around coastal and inland waters.

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, and let a responsible person know your time of departure, your exact intended route and your estimated return time and check in with the responsible person on your safe return. (If you are overdue the responsible person should raise the alarm without hesitation).

Everyone living along the coast or visiting the coast should have their local Sea Rescue Emergency phone number programmed in their phone.

For more information visit the web page www.nsri.org.za.


- Mossel Bay Advertiser

SEA RESCUE – Mossel Bay – Saturday, 28th June, 2014. Boat assisted by NSRI:

 

MOSSEL BAY:

Andre Fraser, NSRI Mossel Bay station commander, said:

"At 09h02, Saturday, 28th June, NSRI Mossel Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew responded aboard our sea rescue craft RESCUE 15 following a request for assistance from the fishing trawler COLLEEN reporting to have battery and electrical failure.

“The owners provided a generator to be taken to the trawler and on arrival on-scene 26 nautical miles off-shore of Ystervark Point we rendezvoused with the trawler, with 7 crew onboard, in a calm sea state with 2 to 2.5 meter swell, and the generator was transferred onboard and our sea rescue craft remained on-scene while the fishermen attempted to fix the electrical battery fault.

“After attempts to rectify the electrical fault failed we took the trawler under tow and are towing them safely to harbour in Mossel Bay and we expect to arrive in Mossel Bay harbour at around 18h00.

“Once safely berthed the owners will make repairs.” 

Released by: 

Craig Lambinon

SEA RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS