Latest news with #NSRI
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Successful rescue of distressed sailing yacht near Richards Bay
A local sailing yacht with seven crew onboard was successfully pulled back to safety after it experienced a mechanical failure and was drifting at sea, north of Richards Bay recently. The yacht had departed Richards Bay two weeks when it experienced a motor mechanical failure, forcing them to turn around. 'Nearing Richards Bay, against strong south-westerly winds, gusting in excess of 15 knots and in three-to-four metre rough sea swells, they requested assistance 15 nautical miles north of Richards Bay – about four nautical miles offshore of the lighthouse,' said National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Richards Bay station commander Norman Rautenbach. He said the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre and NSRI Richards Bay were alerted to reports from Ocean Sailing Association of South Africa, and the Commodore of the Zululand Yacht Club of the sailing yacht. 'Our duty crew responded to our NSRI Richards Bay station 19 rescue base, where the NSRI rescue craft Ocean Guardian was launched. 'On arrival on the scene, a towline was rigged, and we towed them into the Port of Richards Bay to a safe berth at the Zululand Yacht Club, and they required no further assistance.' Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer
IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Filmmaker, moved by the NSRI camera rescue volunteers, dedicates his time to raising awareness
Filmed at Strand Beach, the video features actress Shiefaa Hendriks in a portrayal that merges realism and symbolism Image: National Sea Rescue Institute SOUTH African filmmaker and ocean lover Kabeer Shaik has teamed up with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to create a powerful new awareness video spotlighting the NSRI's Beach Safety Camera Project. He has donated his time and skills to help amplify the story of technology and teamwork saving lives along our coastline. Shaik visited the NSRI's Volunteer Support Centre earlier this year, where he was introduced to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and the Beach Safety Camera Project. What he saw inspired him. 'I'm a filmmaker who spends a lot of time in the ocean, and I wanted to make a piece that supports the amazing work the NSRI does,' said Shaik. 'They're an incredible organisation that saves thousands of lives every year. This was something I knew I had to contribute to.' The creative campaign, now complete, is based on a true and emotional story from Strand Beach. An NSRI camera operator spotted 10-year-old Matthew being pulled out to sea in a rip current. With lifeguards not yet on duty, the operator activated Strand Lifeguards, who arrived in time to save the child. NSRI CEO Mike Vonk explains: 'Our operator never took her eyes off Matthew. She tracked him with the camera and relayed updates as lifeguards rushed to the scene. She was sitting in a control room, but emotionally, she was right there with him in the water.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ This emotional tension, the human heartbeat behind high-tech rescue, became the core of Kabeer's visual interpretation. 'It struck me that, although she wasn't in the water, she felt like she was doing the rescue,' said Shaik. 'That's the story I wanted to tell, not just about technology, but about the people who care so deeply and give so much.' Filmed at Strand Beach, the video features actress Shiefaa Hendriks in a portrayal that merges realism and symbolism. The team used rich golden-hour light and a cinematic approach to create an emotional and immersive experience. 'The biggest challenge was the weather. We needed a calm sea and high tide in late afternoon to match the story's emotional tone. After weeks of postponements, we got the perfect window in April and gathered an incredible team to make it happen,' said Shaik. The production was made possible through the generous support of the industry. Post-production partners, technical crew, and cast all donated their time and expertise. 'We are deeply grateful to Kabeer and every member of the team who brought this story to life. This campaign shines a light not only on the Beach Safety Camera Project but also on the heart of the NSRI. These are people who care enough to act, every day,' said Vonk. He added: 'We would also like to thank our friends in the media, television and cinema industries for the generous airtime they are giving this campaign at no cost. Their support helps us reach more people and, ultimately, save more lives.' SUNDAY TRIBUNE
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Dry spell raises concern of infestation in soyabean crops, NSRI issues advisory
Indore: The dry spell in some soyabean-cultivating regions of Madhya Pradesh has raised fears of infestation in the standing crop on farms, prompting farmers to spray insecticides to save them. The soyabean crop is approximately 25-30 days old and in a growing stage across most cultivating areas in the state. National Soybean Research Institute (NSRI), Indore, has also issued an advisory to farmers to adopt measures for management of weeds and insect-pest diseases in the soybean crop. "Soyabean crop in different areas is of 35-40 days duration as per the variation in sowing dates. Few areas are still passing through a dry spell. The crop is likely to reach flowering stage in some of the areas. Under such circumstances, farmers are advised to adopt precautionary measures for management of weeds and insect-pest diseases…," an advisory from the research institute said. Farmers in Indore region have started spraying insecticides this week. "I started spraying insecticides on the crop because it is the time when the disease attack happens. The crop is in the growing stage and needs a lot of attention due to the current weather condition, which is humid," said Balram Patel, a farmer from Sanwer Road. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Soyabean is a major kharif crop in the state. Farm department data shows approximately 10 lakh hectare to go under soyabean cultivation this kharif season. The previous season recorded 9.85 lakh hectare of soyabean cultivation in Indore division, according to official data. The institute has advised farmers to destroy affected plants from girdle beetle and spray various insecticides to control stem fly, Bihar hairy caterpillar, and linseed caterpillar, among other diseases.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
National Sea Rescue Institute rallies for World Drowning Prevention Day
On July 25th, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) will unite with communities across South Africa and around the globe to recognise World Drowning Prevention Day—a significant initiative initiated by the United Nations and supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). On July 25th, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) will unite with communities across South Africa and around the globe to recognise World Drowning Prevention Day—a significant initiative initiated by the United Nations and supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). As communities across South Africa and around the globe gear up to observe World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2025 the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is once again at the forefront of a critical initiative. Under the theme, 'Your story can save a life,' the NSRI emphasises that drowning prevention transcends mere water safety education; it hinges on the power of storytelling. It is explained that sharing personal experiences and narratives has the potential to transform behaviours and influence community actions, ultimately saving lives. This United Nations and World Health Organization (WHO) observance, celebrated annually, aims to foster awareness, remembrance, and actionable measures to combat the silent epidemic of drowning. The institute reveals that drowning remains a grave concern worldwide, claiming over 236 000 lives each year, positioning it as one of the leading causes of mortality for children aged five to 14. 'This is not just a statistic; it's a call to action,' states Mike Vonk, the CEO of NSRI. 'World Drowning Prevention Day reminds us that while anyone can drown, no one should.' This assertion rings particularly true for South Africa, which boasts over 3 000kms of coastline and countless rivers, lakes, and dams, presenting unique water safety challenges. Since its inception, the NSRI has shifted its focus from reactive emergency response to proactive education aimed at preventing drowning tragedies. Leveraging insights from real-life incidents, the NSRI has embarked on several educational initiatives that have had a profound impact: Water Safety Education: The NSRI has reached more than 5.5 million South Africans, imparting essential skills, including bystander CPR. The NSRI has reached more than 5.5 million South Africans, imparting essential skills, including bystander CPR. Survival Swimming: In collaboration with local communities, the NSRI teaches children in under-resourced areas vital survival skills such as breathing control, orientation in water, floating, and swimming. In collaboration with local communities, the NSRI teaches children in under-resourced areas vital survival skills such as breathing control, orientation in water, floating, and swimming. The Pink Rescue Buoy Project: Since its launch in 2017, over 1 800 Pink Buoys have been deployed across South Africa, directly contributing to the rescue of at least 221 lives. Since its launch in 2017, over 1 800 Pink Buoys have been deployed across South Africa, directly contributing to the rescue of at least 221 lives. NSRI SafeTRX App: This free app allows small craft users to log their trips, track movements, and alert emergency services in times of crisis. In 2024 alone, the NSRI delivered an impressive 877 485 water safety lessons and conducted 25 000 survival swimming classes, empowering countless communities with life-saving knowledge. This World Drowning Prevention Day, the institute calls on all South Africans to raise awareness and adopt safer behaviours around water. Here are some actionable steps every individual can take to make a meaningful difference: Learn to swim: Ensure you and your children possess basic water survival skills. Ensure you and your children possess basic water survival skills. Supervise children: Drowning is often silent; always keep a vigilant eye on children near water. Drowning is often silent; always keep a vigilant eye on children near water. Avoid alcohol near water: Maintain alertness and control when engaging around water activities. Maintain alertness and control when engaging around water activities. Check conditions before you swim: Always assess water and weather conditions prior to entering. Always assess water and weather conditions prior to entering. Use proper safety gear: Remember, lifejackets save lives. Saturday Star
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Paula Armstrong to swim The English Channel
Paula Armstrong has not only dedicated her life to saving lives, but she has also now started an initiative which serves to raise funds for the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) Bursary Fund. Deputy Station Commander at NSRI Table Bay, Paula Armstrong's relationship with the ocean is one of profound purpose and unwavering passion. She has not only dedicated her life to saving lives, but she has also now started an initiative which serves to raise funds for the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) Bursary Fund. Paula's experience in the water is vast, but no two swims are ever the same. She is currently training to swim the English Channel, a prestigious open-water swim in the world, taking place in August. The English Channel is a 33km unassisted open water swim between England and France. According to Armstrong, the preparation for such an undertaking is physical and deeply psychological. "I've had to get my mind around swimming that kind of distance and evaluate whether I have the capacity to put in the time and resources it demands. ''For me, there are a few golden rules: Find the right team to journey with you; take yourself seriously, and make this your priority for the time being,' she explains. On swimming for a purpose, Armstrong aims to raise R500 000.00 for AWCA's bursary fund aimed at facilitating access to the profession and accelerating the advancement of Black Female Chartered Accountants. 'The AWCA is an organisation that I have tremendous admiration and respect for, and one which has become very close to my heart through the empowering initiatives they do for African women. What I appreciate greatly about the AWCA is the authentic, holistic approach they take in supporting women to break through glass ceilings. ''With this challenge, I want to send the message to them to say, I see you, I support you, and I believe that the work that they do is vital to the future of the country. '' To support Armstrong's goal, donate on
