Brand new anti-poaching vessel for Addo Elephant National Park

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Addo Elephant National Park's Honorary Rangers handed over the keys to a brand new anti-poaching vessel to the Park and its marine team on Friday.

The Gemini Waverider Pro, fitted with two Honda four-stroke motors, will replace the existing and aging 14-year old vessel currently stationed off Bird Island in the Park's Marine Protected Area.

The vessel, christened the "JMB Malusi", is named after three former Addo Elephant Park Marine Rangers who were killed in a car accident near Alexandria in 2010:

"J" is for John Molefe Mapheu, "M" for Marvin Ricardo Williams and "B" for Bonga Richman Skotsho, while Malusi means shepherd.

SANParks Communication Manager, Fayroush Ludick says the vessel will go a long way in combating the poaching of abalone and illegal fishing in the area.