NSRI campaign invites donations to honour loved ones on rescue craft

The "Celebrate a Life" campaign is an initiative that honours loved ones while significantly contributing to maritime safety in South Africa.

By donating R1 000, individuals can have a loved one's name inscribed on the NSRI's new Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC), a cutting-edge rescue vessel designed to save lives at sea.

Dr. Cleeve Robertson, NSRI CEO, emphasises the campaign's importance: "To continue delivering a world-class rescue service in South Africa, the NSRI invests in modern, high-tech rescue craft that will save even more lives on South African waters. You can be part of this dream.”

The ORC, constructed entirely in South Africa, features an advanced French design and can accommodate six rescuers in shock-mitigating seats, ensuring high-speed operations in challenging sea conditions. It can carry up to 23 survivors, and each vessel costs an estimated R22 million.

For a donation of R1 000, you can add the name of a loved one to this state-of-the-art rescue craft, providing a unique and meaningful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or in memory of someone special. Each name will be inscribed in the letters and numbers on the side of the rescue craft, ensuring that your loved one’s legacy is part of every mission. Multiple names can be added at discounted rates: R900 per name for two names and R800 per name for three or more.

In addition to having their name on the boat, contributors will receive a personalised digital certificate, an invitation to the boat blessing, and a thank you letter from the NSRI. They will also get a SARS 18A tax certificate to claim a tax deduction.

The campaign has already touched many lives. Steve Wilke’s wife, Annamarie, and son, Lloyd, were inspired by his love for the ocean and his selfless act of rescuing a swimmer in distress. “Out of all the places to be, it’s best to be at the sea,” Annamarie reflects, finding solace in knowing Steve’s name will be part of the ORC’s life-saving missions.

Marco van Embden shares a poignant memory of his father, Henry, who was rescued by the NSRI in 1967. Marco’s gratitude for the NSRI’s efforts has endured through the years, making the decision to participate in the campaign an easy one.

For the Dickson family, the campaign is a fitting tribute to their mother, Betty, an avid supporter of the NSRI and lover of the sea. “We love the idea of her continuing to be involved with saving lives,” say her children, Clive, Heather, Keith, Lynn, and Stacey.

Di Drake honours her late husband, Mike, a passionate yachtsman who was aided by the NSRI during a medical emergency. "When I saw the Celebrate a Life campaign, I thought this was the perfect way to honour him," Di explained.

Naomie van der Walt, deeply moved by the campaign, donated in memory of her son Riaan, who drowned in 2014. "This is the best gift that I could give my son,” she says. “Now I know that he will be part of every rescue operation.”

The ORC is a high-tech, self-righting vessel built for extreme conditions. At 14.8 metres long and 4.8 metres wide, it can undertake missions up to 50 nautical miles from land and has a projected lifespan of at least 40 years. By building these vessels locally, the NSRI is boosting South Africa’s boat-building industry and creating jobs.

Join the "Celebrate a Life" campaign today and ensure your loved one’s name becomes a beacon of hope and safety on the South African waters. Click here for more info:https://www.nsri.org.za/campaigns/celebrate-a-life

- Herman Eloff