On Sunday, March 24th, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Shelly Beach station received an activation call at 10:38 a.m., responding to reports of four scuba divers missing near Protea Banks, Southern Pinnacle, just over 4 nautical miles off the shore of Margate, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast.
According to Gary Wolmerans, NSRI Shelly Beach station commander, the missing individuals, three males and one female aged approximately between 18 and 43, included two males from the KZN South Coast and a father-daughter duo from Cape Town. They were reported missing during a scuba diving excursion.
Upon receiving the alarm from the charter boat, the NSRI Shelly Beach launched a rescue operation, with support from various entities including the NSRI stations 32 Port Edward and 20 Shelly Beach, paramedics, Police Search and Rescue officers, and charter boats Aqua Planet and African Dive Adventures. Additionally, a TNPA Port Net helicopter and a private fixed-wing aircraft from Margate Airport joined the search.
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), assisted by NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Transnet National Ports Authority Durban Port Control, facilitated in determining sea drift currents and plotting search grids.
During an extensive search conducted amidst challenging conditions, including sea swells exceeding 4.5 meters, the missing divers were located by the crew of NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Dawn at 1:37 p.m., approximately 3 nautical miles off the shore of Leisure Bay.
Despite being a bit sunburnt, dehydrated, hungry, and fatigued, the divers were found in good spirits. They had drifted approximately 18 nautical miles south from their original location after losing sight of their dive boat due to adverse sea conditions. Paramedics provided medical treatment, including addressing motion sickness, before safely transporting them to Shelly Beach for further evaluation.
Noteworthy contributions came from SA Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Pine Pienaar, who volunteered in the Joint Operations Control (JOC) at NSRI Shelly Beach operations room, aiding in search grid plotting. Additionally, Telkom Maritime Radio Services broadcasted alerts to vessels in the vicinity.
The successful rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, private crafts, and individuals. All involved parties are commended for their swift and effective response, ensuring the safe return of the divers.
