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Catamaran and crew brought to safety on Valentine’s Day

Durban – A catamaran that got into difficulty on Saturday night has been safely brought to shore, a National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) official has said.  

NSRI Durban deputy station commander Andre Fletcher said rescue services were engaged after the 36-foot catamaran, Galileo, contacted the Transnet National Ports Authority for assistance.  

Fletcher said the catamaran – carrying the skipper from Hermanus, and his crewman, from Vilanculos, Mozambique – were reported to be struggling against stormy weather conditions after its motor and batteries failed.

Their last port of call was Bazaruto, Mozambique.

"Our Durban sea rescue craft Eikos Rescuer II was launched and with communications assisted by Telkom Maritime Radio Services, at 01:30 we rendezvoused with the casualty Catamaran 28 nautical miles South of Durban, in the vicinity of Aliwal Shoal."

Fletcher said rescuers found both crewmen safe but battling North Easterly winds of up to 15 knots and a two-meter swell.

"A towline was rigged and through the severe lightning and thunder storm we towed the casualty Catamaran to the port of Durban, without incident, arriving safely at 08:00 on Sunday... By 09:00 the casualty catamaran was safely berthed and they required no further assistance."

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