[Image: NSRI]
In the early hours of Wednesday, 29 January, the NSRI Bakoven and NSRI Table Bay duty crews sprang into action after reports of a sailing yacht running aground at Clifton 4th Beach.
Luke van Riet, NSRI Bakoven duty coxswain, shared that the call came through at 04h19. Within minutes, it was confirmed that all passengers and crew aboard two local charter yachts were safe.
Despite calm seas, gusty winds had caused both vessels, anchored overnight at Clifton, to drag towards shore. One yacht, carrying three crew members, was found listing in shallow water. The second, with five crew onboard, managed to motor back into deeper waters and anchor safely.
The NSRI launched their rescue crafts, Gemini Legend and DHL Deliverer, while rescue swimmers were dispatched to the scene. Passengers from the grounded yacht—a pair of women—were transferred safely to the second yacht.
A sailing yacht run aground at Clifton 4th Beach is recovered safely, while a second sailing yacht self recovers after drifting into shallow water at Clifton 4th Beach.https://t.co/9K0KNQke53
— National Sea Rescue Institute (@NSRI) January 29, 2025
With two rescue swimmers onboard, the NSRI assisted the skipper of the grounded yacht in rigging a towline. The Gemini Legend towed the vessel back to deeper waters without incident. Shortly after, the DHL Deliverer arrived to escort both yachts to Granger Bay.
Both yachts were successfully berthed without damage, bringing the early morning drama to a calm and triumphant close.
This reminds us of that time when we ordered pizzas from Butlers Pizza to be delivered to the stricken Eihatsu Maru ship on Clifton Beach. and made the Wall Street Journal. Good times.
[Source: NSRI]