Melkbosstrand — The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) proudly welcomed a new addition to its rescue fleet, Film Industry Rescuer 3, a JetRIB funded by the Film Industry, during a naming and blessing ceremony held at Melkbosstrand on Sunday, 9 November.
The JetRIB, a combination of a Jet Ski hull and an inflatable rescue craft, is designed for rapid, close-to-shore response. Its jet propulsion system allows safe manoeuvring through surf without the risk of propeller injuries, a critical advantage during inshore rescues.
Since 2017, the Film Industry has played a vital role in strengthening sea rescue capability along the Western Cape coastline through the sponsorship of rescue craft that carry the “Film Industry Rescuer” name.
The first two sponsored craft — Film Industry Fund Rescuer One (Strandfontein, 2017) and Film Industry Rescuer Two (Melkbosstrand, 2018) — have both played significant roles in saving lives. Rescuer Two has since been relocated to an inland NSRI base where a higher-powered craft is required.
“We would like to acknowledge the crucial role of the National Sea Rescue Institute,” said Rudi Riek, Chief Executive Officer of Film Industry Visa Assistance NPC. “The NSRI embodies courage, professionalism, and community service. Their lifesaving operations, whether at sea, along our rugged coastlines, or in protecting coastal livelihoods, reflect a national commitment to saving lives.”
The new vessel was officially named Film Industry Rescuer 3 during a traditional ceremony by Marna Riek, wife of Rudi Riek. The vessel and the Station 18 volunteer crew were blessed by Pastor Barend Buys in a heartfelt prayer that reflected community gratitude.
“The Film Industry Rescuer crafts stand as symbols of the essential support our sector needs to weather challenges,” added Riek. “Film Industry Rescuer 3 reminds us that resilience is not only about creativity and storytelling, but about the real-world actions that safeguard lives and livelihoods, within our industry and beyond.”
“The Melkbosstrand NSRI station covers a wide stretch of coastline extending from the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Milnerton to Bokpunt,” said Station Commander Rowan Marais. “Melkbosstrand Beach, a seven-kilometre-long Blue Flag beach, is a popular destination for surfers, swimmers, and boaters. The new JetRIB will play a vital role in swift, effective life saving operations in this high-activity area.”
“Station 18, Melkbosstrand, extends our sincere gratitude to the Film Industry for its ongoing partnership and commitment to community safety. This enduring collaboration reflects how collective effort and shared responsibility save lives, both on set and at sea,” said Rowan.
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