NSRI saves stranded foreign visitors

After the rush - Lawrine Zander , Celma Brummer (Netwerk Marketing Manager – George) George Schutte (Hospital Manager, George Medi-Clinic) and  Ray Farnham – NSRI.

Three foreign visitors who had gone on a hiking trail, were rescued on Monday after they got trapped on a rock near Plettenberg Bay. They were surrounded by waves for almost two hours somewhere between Salt River and the Brak River on a Nature's Valley hiking trial. Ray Farnham, NSRI Plettenberg Bay station commander, said the call came in at just before 13:00.

 After being stuck for almost two hours, they managed to send an SMS to their backpackers lodge, saying "Trapped on a rock, surrounded by water, SOS. Send coastguard.”

 "It appears they were under the impression that they were embarking on a beach walk and were all barefoot and ill-prepared for what is actually a full-on hiking trail, normally requiring hiking boots, a day pack and maps," said Farnham.

 "We launched our rescue craft, Ian Hepburn and Sally Joan, and on arrival found a woman and two men, surrounded by three-metre swells and a rising tide.”

 “Five NSRI rescue swimmers swam to the rock to rescue the trio, two who are from the United States, and the other one was from England."

 Farnham said the conditions were very rough and the three were swum off one by one.

 He said as the last person was swum off the rock, it was swamped by large waves.

 Medi Clinic says thanks NSRI

 Medi Clinic, Plettenberg Bay last week hosted a beach braai and party for all emergency workers who had worked hard during the festive season.