Father and daughter rescued after jet ski breakdown

A jet ski excursion to Alkantstrand turned dangerous on Saturday morning for a father and daughter who were stranded 3.7km offshore.

At 8:19 a.m., the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responded to a distress call.

“Our duty team arrived at NSRI Richards Bay Station 19 where we launched the rescue boat. Spirit of the Round Table IIsaid Norman Rautenbach, Station 19’s deputy commander.

“Approaching the victims, a local private vessel RockBillyarrived on scene and rescued the woman from the water,” Rautenbach said.

“The man was taken on board our rescue vessel and the girl was transferred from a private vessel to our rescue vessel. She was treated for hypothermia.

“RockBilly the private vessel, its captain and crew deserve high praise for the assistance they provided.

“We took the jet ski in tow and brought him to Richards Bay Ski Club where his craft was discovered.

“By this point the young lady had warmed up and they did not require further assistance.

“It appears that the jet ski’s engine may have failed while they were at sea, leading to the disaster,” Rautenbach concluded.

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