NSRI volunteers at Sea Rescue station 10 in Simon’s Town don’t often get to mix it with the monarchy. Fortunately visiting Prince William from the House of Windsor needed a ride across False Bay to make a lunchtime date in Kalk Bay, and the NSRI’s CEO Mike Vonk and his rescue crew happened to have space for the Prince aboard Donna Nicholas, and so off they all went accompanied by a small army of media and other ‘hanger-onners.’
Along the way the Prince got a taste of a gale-force southeaster, the same wind that chased many of Prince William’s forebears back to England for fear of losing their minds.
But the Prince also got to hear about the NSRI’s rescue operations and all they entail. “Given the Prince’s background in search and rescue, he appeared naturally interested in our rescue operations,” commented Vonk. “He was eager to meet our volunteers and understand both what they do and why they choose to volunteer.”
“He showed particular interest in our NSRI SafeTrx App and the preventive safety measures we have in place for water users.”
“His Royal Highness has a ‘Learn to Swim’ program as part of his foundation, and he was very keen to learn about our Survival Swimming program and water safety education,” Vonk added.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work of the NSRI, and his genuine interest in what our volunteers do was truly special. It was a fantastic visit. You could tell he is a people person—he was sincerely engaged in the work of our volunteers.”
SABBEX hopes the Prince took note of the South African craftsmanship aboard the Donna Nicholas, which was completed by Cape Town’s Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing. The English may have had a head start in boatbuilding, as they did in rugby, but it’s great to beat them at their own game.