/ 1 January 2007

Four rescued after yacht capsizes

Four people were rescued after their yacht capsized off Millers Point near Simons Town, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said on Sunday.

Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the NSRI Simons Town and the Vodacom Netcare 911 Surf Rescue helicopter were alerted to a distress call on Saturday afternoon around at 4.40pm.

”The 8m catamaran yacht — Smart One — capsized one nautical mile offshore of Millers Point near Simons Town with four local people on board in 35 knot westerly gusting winds and choppy 1,5m swells,” said Lambinon.

The NSRI’s deep-sea rescue craft Spirit of Freemasonry, was launched.

The Vodacom Netcare 911 Surf Rescue helicopter, Cape Medical Response and Metro False Bay Volunteer EMS were also called to assist the yacht.

”Two women were taken ashore and treated for hypothermia while two men were treated for mild hypothermia,” said Lambinon.

According to a skipper the wind picked up rapidly over a short period of time and the yacht capsized while moving at speeds of between 15 and 20 knots. – Sapa