Article re-cap
- NSRI volunteers rescued an e-foil rider approximately 700 metres offshore of Van Riebeekstrand on Wednesday, July 8.
- The rescue operation was initiated after the man's electric hydrofoil experienced a motor failure while at sea.
- The rider, a South African resident of Dubai, was brought safely back to shore without injury.
- NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew members used the rescue craft Rotary's Gift to recover the man and his board.
National Sea Rescue Institute volunteers rescued an e-foil rider approximately 700 metres offshore of Van Riebeekstrand on Wednesday, July 8, after his electric hydrofoil experienced a motor failure.
The NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew was activated at 4.43pm following reports of a man in difficulty north of Melkb and near Van Riebeekstrand, according to station commander Rowan Marais.
Rescue swimmers headed to the scene while volunteers prepared the rescue craft for launch at the Melkbosstrand rescue base. Netcare 911 ambulance services and Community Medics were placed on alert as a precaution during the operation.
Marais said NSRI made contact with the man's wife, who reported seeing him in distress while he attempted to paddle back towards the shore. The man, a South African resident of Dubai, was recovered along with his e-foil board onto the rescue craft Rotary's Gift.
The rider was brought safely back to shore and reunited with his wife and son without injury. Marais said it appeared the electric hydrofoil experienced motor failure while offshore.
The NSRI reminded water users to ensure equipment is in good working order before heading out to sea and to avoid venturing too far offshore without a safety plan or reliable communication.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the e-foil rider off Van Riebeekstrand?
The e-foil rider experienced motor failure on his electric hydrofoil approximately 700 metres offshore on Wednesday, July 8. He attempted to paddle back to shore and was spotted in distress by his wife. NSRI Melkbosstrand rescued him safely along with his board.
How was the rider rescued and who responded?
NSRI Melkbosstrand activated their duty crew at 4.43pm after receiving reports. Rescue swimmers headed to the scene while volunteers prepared the rescue craft Rotary's Gift for launch from the Melkbosstrand rescue base. The rider was recovered and brought safely to shore.
What safety advice has NSRI offered to water users?
NSRI reminded water users to ensure equipment is in good working order before heading out to sea and to avoid venturing too far offshore without a safety plan or reliable communication available.
Was the e-foil rider injured in the incident?
No, the rider was brought safely back to shore and reunited with his wife and son without injury. He is a South African resident of Dubai.
Source: tabletalk.co.za
