The ability of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) to respond in times of emergency has yet again been ably demonstrated, this time by the Navy which at about 10am today arrived in a stormy Atlantic Ocean to assist yachts in distress on the first leg of the Cape-to-Rio race.
An emergency call from acting SANDF Chief, Lieutenant General Derrick Mgwebi, saw the crew of SAS Isandlwana assemble at short notice and board the Valour Class frigate enabling her to sail from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront at 8.30pm on Sunday. This after he had been contacted by race organisers with regard to a rescue operation for at least two yachts in distress in the early stages of the race.
“There are at least two yachts in distress and another three experiencing problems,” Captain (SAN) Jaco Theunissen said.
“The yachts are approximately 120 nautical miles north-north-west of Cape Town. One, SY Bille, transmitted a Mayday using a satellite phone while the SY Ava transmitted an Emergency Position Indicating Beacon (EMIB) at 4.45pm and 4.30pm on Sunday.”
The race website reports Bille had mainsail problems and were proceeding back to Cape Town for repairs. The yacht was de-masted with serious injuries to some crew. One of the injured later died.
Apart from the ships’ company, Isandlwana also has divers, two doctors and three operational emergency care practitioners (OECPs) aboard to provide assistance and medical aid.
According to Navy headquarters in Pretoria Isandlwana reached the stricken yacht and a rescue was performed. No further details were available at the time of publication but Captain (SAN) Musa Nkomonde, Isandlwana commander, is continuing an assessment of the situation so that assistance can be offered to other yachts in need.
The first night at sea for Cape-to-Rio contenders was a stormy one with reports of 40 to 60 knot winds and swells of up to six metres.
In May 2011 Isandlwana was involved in a rescue mission for a Taiwanese fishing vessel of the island of Tristan da Cunha.
