Fishing trawler towed to safety in difficult, technical rescue operation.

Brad Geyser, NSRI Hout Bay Station Commander said: “At 19h04 NSRI Hout Bay were activated by the National Ports Authority following a request for assistance from the 20 metre, 71 ton fishing trawler, Sulaiman, registered to Kalk Bay harbour and berthed at Hout Bay harbour, reported to be adrift with rope fouled around her propeller, 25 nautical miles South of Cape Point, with 20 crew on-board, in 2 to 3 metre swells and 15 to 20 knot North Westerly winds. “The vessel and her crew reported to be in no imminent danger but in need of assistance with the vessel drifting without engine power due to rope fouled around her propeller.
“The skipper of the vessel had looked at all possibilities to free rope tangled around the propeller but sea conditions were not conducive to any safe option and a rescue was requested.
“NSRI Hout Bay launched our deep sea rescue craft MTU Nadine Gordimer and NSRI Table Bay launched their deep sea rescue craft Spirit of Vodacom while NSRI Simonstown placed their deep sea rescue craft Spirit of Safmarine III on alert.
“A National Ports Authority tug boat was also placed on alert.
“On arrival on-scene, at approximately 22h50, the crew aboard the 2 NSRI rescue craft found all crew aboard Sulaiman safe.
“A tow-line was rigged from the rescue craft Spirit of Vodacom and the casualty vessel was taken under tow and towed towards Hout Bay harbour while the second rescue craft escorted the tow.
“Maritime Radio Services posted an all ships alert via the emergency Maritime VHF Radio Frequency warning other vessels in the area of the rescue operation in progress in order that other vessels steer clear of the difficult and technical towing effort.
“At 05h00 this morning the Sulaiman was safely towed into Hout Bay harbour and berthed.
“No further assistance was required and no injuries to any of the casualty vessel crew was sustained.”