When you join the NSRI, you never know what to expect. There is always some adventure or opportunity around the corner, and things normally happen on short notice. On 26 March 2018, my typical Monday suddenly got some steroids. I had the opportunity to be on board an SAAF 28 Sqn C130, call sign Jumbo, to observe a training operation. (The C130 is also known by many South African servicemen as a "flossie".) 28 Squadron performed several Search and Rescue Training operations along the East Coast and was assisted by the NSRI due to the operations being over the ocean. In this particular video, 5 of our Jeffreys Bay Crew (Station 37) were given the opportunity to fly with Jumbo, while some of the other crew were on our 5.5m Gemini called Eddie Beaumont II (Call sign Rescue 37). I was supposed to be on the boat myself, but could not let the opportunity slip by to be in the C130 when a space opened up. If you look closely on the navigator's screen, you will notice that the search pattern used on this day was a sector search. After the casualty vessel was spotted, smoke markers were deployed. First one on position of the first sighting, and then several others to create a line 90 degrees to the wind so the C130 could deploy some life-rafts in the correct position that would drift down to the casualty vessel. This kind of operation could typically happen when there is a vessel like a capsized yacht that is further offshore where helicopters cannot reach and it would take very long by sea, even for the NSRI. If survivors are found, the aircraft can drop some emergency supplies to increase the chances of survival for the casualties while maritime assistance is on it's way. The Search altitude was 500ft, and the deployment altetude was 200ft. I am forever grateful for everybody that made this possible, and really enjoyed it. The SAAF guys (and gals) were great and I was honored to meet them and fly with them. As you will see on the faces of the rest of the NSRI crew, they loved it as well!
6 сен 2024
