Celebrate a Life with Rescue 4

Earlier this month, Rescue 4, a new Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC) built for NSRI Station 4, Mykonos, went into the water for her sea trials – the final proving ground before she begins saving lives off the West Coast. Worth R52 million together with her brand-new base, Rescue 4 represents a generational investment in maritime safety. Through the Celebrate a Life campaign, supporters can now be part of every launch.

A World-Class Rescue Vessel for Mykonos

Rescue 4 is one of NSRI’s latest ORCs, designed specifically for South African conditions. Built in South Africa to operate far offshore, she gives the Mykonos crew greater range, speed, and safety when every minute counts.

“All sea trials have gone well – bollard pull tests, radio checks – everything is working 100%,” says Graeme Harding, Head of Fleet and Facilities. After minor adjustments and the delivery survey certificate from the South African Maritime Safety Authority, the vessel was delivered to Mykonos for crew training.

Housed in a purpose-built base and launched from a rebuilt slipway, Rescue 4 and her station will remain ready to respond for decades, protecting everyone who lives, works, and holidays along this busy stretch of coastline.

Celebrate a Life on Every Mission

To mark this milestone, the NSRI is inviting supporters to become part of Rescue 4’s story through the Celebrate a Life campaign.

“This campaign allows donors to honour someone they love, whether in memory or celebration, by adding their name to the side of the new ORC that will serve at NSRI Mykonos,” says Head of Fundraising, Alison Smith.

This powerful idea has already touched many families through similar campaigns on Rescue 17 in Hermanus and Rescue 6 in Gqeberha. Donors describe it as a way for a loved one’s legacy to live on in every launch, every callout and every life saved.

“When you honour a loved one with their name on the side of our new rescue craft, each time our crew launches to save lives, your loved one will be right by their side,” Alison says. “You are also helping to build the next generation of rescue craft, allowing for increased operational capability of our rescue crew.”

How To Take Part

Taking part in Celebrate a Life is simple, and every contribution directly supports NSRI’s lifesaving work.

1. Add a name
   
   A donation of R1 000 secures one name, R900 each for two names, or R800 each when you add three or more names. Simply complete the online form with your loved one’s details and the wording you’d like to appear within the RESCUE lettering on the hull.
    

2. Receive your certificate
   
   For every name you add, you’ll receive a personalised digital certificate in their honour. It’s yours to download, print, and beautifully frame as a meaningful gift for someone special. Your certificate(s) will arrive in your email inbox within 12 hours of submitting the form.
    

3. Be part of the blessing
   Once we’ve reached the maximum number of names, the campaign will be closed. We’ll keep you updated by email about our blessing ceremony, where you and your loved ones can see the ORC up close, featuring the names you’ve added.

The deadline for adding names is 31 July 2026.

Your Legacy on the West Coast

Rescue 4 and her new station mark a step change in sea rescue capability, made possible by supporters who believe every life is worth saving. By adding a name, you not only honour someone special but help fund and maintain this R26 million rescue asset that will serve this coastline for the next 40 years.