The NSRI has issued a stern warning to boaters to be extremely careful when venturing onto Hartbeespoort Dam this festive season.

Boaters are warned that rescue might not be possible in hyacint.

Over 50% of the dam is covered in hyacinth and rescue might not be possible.
This follows a five-hour rescue of two vessels stuck in hyacinth last weekend.
“It took two hours to get through the hyacinth and to the vessels in distress and another three hours to get back to the base. That is how thick and dense the hyacinth mat is. In the process, our rescue craft’s engine and propeller were damaged. Therefore, we are warning boaters that rescue will not be possible if they get stuck in the hyacinth,” said Arthur Crewe of the NSRI Hartbeespoort.
Boaters are urged to stay far away from the hyacinth as it might not be possible to get help.
According to Crewe thousands of Rands were spent over the past year due to damage to rescue boats during hyacinth rescues. “Boaters seem to think they will be able to steer vessels through the hyacinth, but they won’t. It is extremely dense and getting worse.
The NSRI rescue crafts will not be able to reach them.”