The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is determined to raise money for another lifesaving vessel after one of their crafts, valued at R650 000, was stolen and destroyed.
The NSRI’s JetRIB was stolen on Sunday when suspects broke open the garage door at station 16 in Strandfontein.
The vessel was later found burnt out on an open field in Blikkiesdorp, Delft.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said: “It is suspected that the motor may have been stripped from the craft before it was set alight.
“While NSRI has suffered a theft of rescue assets and break-ins at NSRI rescue stations in the past, we have never experienced a case where a rescue craft was stolen and later found gutted by fire,” he added.
The NSRI is now asking mense to assist with raising funds for another fully kitted Jetrib vessel.
“The NSRI’s annual budget is R350 million per annum which is all raised through donations and sponsorships,” said Lambinon.
“Our rescue crew receives no payment and neither do we charge the people we rescue.
“Our organisation is reliant on donations and sponsorships. This enables us to do the work of saving lives and creating futures.”
He said each JetRib costs about R650 000, completely kitted out for the NSRI to complete their missions.
He also appealed for people with information about the incident to contact the police.
Those who can donate should visit the social media pages of the NSRI.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za