Hout Bay just got a whole lot safer with the launch of the NSRI’s latest Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC) courtesy of Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing.
At 14.8 m long and 4.8 m wide, the latest ORC is built to withstand severe sea states.
The self-righting ‘Spirit of Ubuntu’ is the eighth hull in the NSRI’s fleet upgrade, and will take its place at the Hout Bay station, marking another significant milestone for local boatbuilding.
“The launch of RESCUE 8, destined for NSRI (Station 8 Hout Bay), marks the completion of the current series of Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC) built by Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing for the NSRI, an extraordinary partnership that started in 2021 with the launch of Rescue 17 (Hermanus),” Two Oceans says in its latest social media update. “From its launch to its advanced capabilities and robust construction, see what makes this rescue vessel ready for whatever the ocean demands.”
Craig Thompson, NSRI’s ORC manager, commended the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the ORC build; “When I started, I was wondering why would you need all of this – I’d never seen a vessel built with this much safety in mind.”
“It was quite amazing, seeing this vessel and the systems on it and the work that goes into it. They are built to withstand anything,” Thompson said, adding that the super-reinforced hull and overall structural robustness was fit-for-purpose. “It’s to be around for the next 40 years, and it will be,” Thompson said.