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The crew of two chokka boats had a narrow escape following a collision between two vessels at sea off St Francis Bay.
The NSRI says volunteer crews from St Francis Bay were called in to action late Sunday night after the 40m chokka vessel, Southern Star apparently collided into the side of the 20m long vessel, Altar.
NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, says Altar suffered a hole mid ship on the Port side, while there appeared to be minimal damage to Southern star.
He says the crew of the two chokka vessels rafted Southern Star against Altar to prevent it from sinking.
Lambinon says they took extra pumping gear to help remove the water from the stricken vessel.
"Our sea rescue craft took 11 crew members off Altar taking them safely to shore in two relays while the Skipper and the First Mate remained on-board Altar.
"Pumping water out of Altar is a continuous effort as the large hole in the side of Altar is below the water line and until repairs can be made Southern Star will have to remain rafted to the side of Altar to prevent her from sinking and water will have to continuously be pumped from the vessel until temporary repairs can be carried out.
"Our sea rescue craft towed the two vessels to just off-shore of Port St Francis.
"They cannot come into Port rafted to each other so they remain a few hundred meters off-shore of Port St Francis and have arranged salvage to patch the hole at sea today before bringing her into Port for repairs.
"No one was injured.
"NSRI were released from the operation at 03h00 after it was confirmed all water pumps are managing to extricate water faster than it flows into Altar and while Southern Star remains rafted to the side of ALTAR assisting to keep her afloat.
"The Transnet National Ports Authority continue to monitor progress and Telkom Maritime Radio Services assisted with communications throughout the operation."
