GEORGE NEWS - A Friday afternoon fishing outing turned tense when a grandfather and his two grandsons were cut off by the rising spring tide at Flat Rock, Wilderness, and had to be rescued by the NSRI.
The children's mother alerted the NSRI Wilderness duty crew at 15:38 on 27 June, reporting that her sons, aged 10 and 15, and their 72-year-old grandfather were trapped on the rocks by the incoming tide.
According to Ian Gerber, NSRI Wilderness' duty coxswain, the trio had been fishing when the tide began to rise, cutting them off from the mainland.
"NSRI rescue teams, assisted by George Fire and Rescue Services, responded to the call," he said.
Two NSRI rescue swimmers entered the surf, carrying life jackets and rope to reach the stranded group. Although the high tide was only expected after 18:00, it had already made returning to shore too dangerous for the family.
"The grandfather and two boys were found safe and in good spirits on the rocks. They were fitted with life jackets and, using a rope system, were brought to shore one at a time by the rescue swimmers. Their fishing gear was also retrieved," said Gerber.
Gerber praised the family for staying put and not attempting to cross the surf on their own. "They did the right thing by calling for help," he said.
The NSRI also thanked George Fire and Rescue for their support.
The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the rescuers for their assistance.
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