Much-needed boat arrives in town

Gallery Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - There was excitement among Mossel Bay National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) volunteers this week as a rescue vessel arrived from Simon's Town to replace one at the NSRI which had become dated and was needing excessive maintenance work.

The cost of maintenance had become a burden.

The newer boat arrived in Mossel Bay on Wednesday, 26 May.

Mossel Bay NSRI Station 15 head André Fraser arranged for the harbour foghorn to be sounded to welcome the rescue boat, which is faster, more modernised and in better condition than the one it is replacing.

Photo gallery: New rescue vessel for NSRI

Therefore, there was a bit of fanfare as the boat entered the harbour and many NSRI volunteers and associates lined Quay 1 to welcome the vessel.

It is a Brede class of boat, the same class as the previous one.

Watch a video below:

The previous vessel was not named because there was no sponsor, but the replacement one is branded Spirit of Safmarine III.

Bringing the boat from Simon's Town to Mossel Bay was an opportunity for NSRI crew from both Simon's Town and Mossel Bay to give and also to undergo a little training on board.

The Spirit of Safmarine III arrived in Mossel Bay in gloriously warm sunshine and a gentle breeze.

Fraser said he was pleased to receive the vessel because it would help the NSRI provide a better service to the community of Mossel Bay and surrounds.

The Spirit of Safmarine III is faster and more modern than the boat it is replacing.