Twelve fishermen saved from fishing boat that ran aground

Imogen Vollenhoven
13 August 2013

The National Sea Rescue Institute just after midnight responded to Robben Island whereby a 19 meter fishing boat with 12 people onboard was reported to be running aground. 

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said when they arrived on scene it was impossible to reach the vessel from the seaside despite numerous attempts by the rescue craft. 
Lambinon said all 12 were males aged between 18 and 52-years-old. 
Lambinon added that it became evident as this vessel ran onto the ground at Robben Island in between rocks that all the crew were going to abandon ship.

“And NSRI crew responded around the side of the land and then swam out, hoping from rock to rock, swimming and waving through water, with waves breaking over them to reach the casualties, to help them off the boat and get them safely ashore in relays,” said Lambinon.

He said that all of the twelve crew members were taken back to the NSRI base in Table Bay and they have been transported to hospital in a stable condition for treatment of hypothermia and two for back injuries.

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