The fishing boat, the Agulhas, at the Arniston harbour after it had been transported to safety from the shore by Denel Overberg Test Range.

On Monday, 26 October 2015, two fishing boats from Arniston, the Agulhas and Mrs H, got into trouble at “die poort” – a waterway through which all fishing boats must sail when going into the open sea from the Arniston Harbour. The Agulhas experienced engine trouble. When Mrs H came to her rescue, a wave came from the side and washed over her, as did the next one, which caused her to sink.

Fortunately the 10 crew members, five on each boat, were rescued and brought to shore by a ski boat and a fishing boat called Timothy. The Agulhas washed out onto the rocks and Denel Overberg Test Range provided support when Goliath Witbooi, from the Test Range, had to use a tractor to pull her to shore. After a part of Mrs H had been washed onto the rocks, it was also brought to shore by other individuals.

On Monday, 2 November 2015, the Test Range sent a rescue team of experienced staff members from the Services Department with a tractor, frontend loader, trailer and truck to transport the boats to the harbour. This was quite a challenge. The boats had to be transported across rough terrain, rocks and thick sand (dunes) and up a steep climb. Care had to be taken not to cause any further damage to the fishing boats. The team began this operation at 11:00 and was back at the Test Range at 15:00.

The part of Mrs H that could be salvaged was delivered to the owner in Kassiesbaai and the Agulhas was delivered at the Arniston Harbour. Mrs Elaine Newman, owner of the Agulhas, was in tears when her boat was returned. “I don’t know what I would have done if Denel had not transported my boat back to the harbour. Please tell everyone I am very grateful,” Mrs Newman said.

It was a unique rescue operation which required innovation and was performed with enthusiasm. This operation shows that the Test Range cares for their neighbouring community. 

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