A New Era for Sea Rescue at Mykonos

Rescue 4 is finally home and ready to serve the Mykonos coastline for decades to come.

It was first light when the second-last ORC to be built set out on her maiden voyage bound for Station 4, Mykonos. On board were Station 4 Commander, Nic Stevens, and NSRI’s Head of Fleet and Facilities, Graeme Harding, tasked with delivering one of the most advanced rescue vessels in the world to her new station.

“There was a great feeling of excitement as we set out from Table Bay Harbour on a beautiful morning,” Graeme recalls.

The voyage marked a proud milestone in NSRI’s ongoing fleet renewal programme, bringing to a close years of design, craftsmanship, and dedication.

“There is always a feeling of great satisfaction when a class 1 boat sets off on its journey to its home station,” Graeme adds. “It’s a culmination of many months of hard work to get the boat to this point.”

The Significance of Rescue 4

For Nic and his crew, welcoming Rescue 4 is both a privilege and a challenge. “Symbolically, Rescue 4 represents trust,” Nic says. “The NSRI entrusted Station 4 to manage a significantly upgraded vessel and all of the resources that went into her, ultimately coming from the public, who trusted the NSRI with every donation they made.”

That trust comes with responsibility. Taking command of a new generation rescue craft means mastering advanced systems and maintaining the highest safety standards. The ORC’s capabilities raise the bar for what the station can achieve, and demand the same growth from the crew who operate her.

“Any vessel is only as capable as her crew,” Nic explains. “Training is never static, and the continuous development of all volunteers is critical to operational excellence. We have the new equipment, so we have to live up to the professional standards that NSRI has built a reputation for.”

Expanding Possibility on the Water

Station 4 has long handled challenging rescues far from shore along the Western Cape coastline. With the arrival of the new ORC, those operations have entered a new era.

“She has given us confidence to operate further from base, with peace of mind in the equipment, as well as from a crew endurance perspective,” Nic says.

The vessel’s design – focused on safety, comfort, and reliability – means the crew can now spend longer periods at sea without fatigue or mechanical concern.

“The mental element of not having the concerns of a mechanical or electrical failure of the vessel is also a big factor in crew endurance, which one only notices when the stress is gone,” Nic adds.

Through Collaboration and Commitment

The ORC’s arrival is also a tribute to collaboration across the NSRI – from the donors whose generosity made her possible, the builders who brought the design to life, and the crew who will now take her to sea.

“Delivering a rescue boat that will both save lives and keep our crews safe gives one a great feeling of accomplishment,” Graeme says.

He adds that this moment carries the vision of leaders past and present: “Special mention must go out to Mark Hughes and Clifford Ireland, who took on this Class 1 boat replacement project with a vision going back around nine years ago.”

Looking ahead, that same vision continues to guide the institute, with NSRI nearing completion of the next vessel in the class. “We are currently busy with the final ORC build, which should be done by the end of August 2026, bringing a close to a mammoth effort from all involved.”

A Legacy You Can Be Part Of

The new Rescue 4’s arrival is not only a milestone for Station 4 but also part of a broader story of generosity and remembrance.

Through the NSRI’s ongoing Celebrate A Life campaign, donors can honour someone they love, whether in memory or celebration, by adding their name to the side of the ORC.

Each name represents a connection between the person honoured and every future rescue. These contributions ensure that every vessel, including Rescue 4, carries stories of courage and compassion alongside its mission to save lives.

Now proudly stationed at Mykonos, the offshore rescue craft Rescue 4 is a symbol of collective commitment. She is a vessel designed to serve for decades, built through generosity, vision, and courage.