(Read the Editor’s note to see why the unfortunate vessel had a very descriptive and apt name)
Clifford Ireland, NSRI Durban station commander, said; “At 17h40, Monday, 24th August, NSRI Durban duty crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) following a request for assistance from the Motor Vessel KISHORE reporting to have diverted from their voyage to investigate after witnessing red distress flares and upon arrival at the source of the red distress flares they had found a couple, and their dog, on the yacht SEE BRAK, without motor or electrical power and with damage to their Main Sails, and requiring assistance.
“The MV KISHORE remained on-site pending sea rescue’s arrival.
“NSRI Durban launched the sea rescue craft EIKOS RESCUER II and on arrival on the scene at approximately 22h45, a tow-line was rigged and the yacht was towed towards Durban’s Port in rough sea conditions with a 15 to 20 knot North Easterly wind and 3 meter swell.
“Both crew aboard SEE BRAK and their dog were reported to be safe.
“The MV KISHORE was released to continue on her voyage.
“At approximately 10h30 this morning, with an estimated arrival time at the Port of Durban at midday, the crew aboard the SEE BRAK reported their yacht to be taking water and sinking.
“The sea rescue craft attempted to get water extrication pumps onto the yacht but shortly thereafter the couple and their dog abandoned their yacht and were rescued aboard the sea rescue craft. The couple and their dog, a Schnauzer, were all wearing life-jackets and were not injured. The yacht sunk.
“The couple and their dog were brought safely into Port and SAMSA (The South African Maritime Safety Authority) and Police are investigating the incident.
“According to the couple, Mr and Mrs Lubbe, originally from Cape Town, their yacht got into difficulty shortly after launching from Zululand Yacht Club, Richards Bay, where they are residents on their yacht, on Sunday, 23rd August.
“Reportedly they drifted without motor or electrical power, under a make-shift sail before setting off red distress flares on Monday at around 14h00 to attract the attention of the KISHORE that were passing nearby at the time.”
Editor: One is tempted to say that God work’s in mysterious ways as the grapevine recently reported that SEE BRAK, previously known as ALBION, left their last port of call owing the Club and Chandlery Shop a lot of money. Mr Lubbe also borrowed a pump from a club member which he has failed to return – and probably never will now!
According to the report Lubbe’s boat failed its seaworthy and is not registered at all. When he left the harbour no flight plan was submitted to Port Control, and the vessel was not cleared with customs or immigration. He gave the impression that he was heading for Madagascar or Mauritius.
Durban Image: DSCF0757.JPG