Stranded farmers were assisted across the flooded Sonderend River on Thursday, 6 May.
The farmers had been stuck on the other side of the river since Wednesday following heavy flooding in the Overberg.
NSRI Kleinmond duty crew dispatched its NSRI rescue vehicle, an NSRI Croc, and towing a sea rescue craft.
NSRI rescue swimmers also responded in their private vehicles.
The rescue crews discovered that 45 farm workers- 22 adult females, 19 adult males, 4 children and their dog, needed to be ferried and assisted across 2 stretches of the flooded river prompting the NSRI Hermanus duty crew to be activated to assist.
The Overberg Disaster Risk Management, Overberg Fire and Rescue Services, WC Government EMS ambulances and an EMS rescue squad, the SA Police Services and a Police Dive Unit were also on the scene.
All 45 farmers and their dog were safely assisted across the river by police divers and NSRI rescue swimmers and received medical assessments once they were safe on higher ground.
No injuries were reported during the operation.
Several other rescues were conducted including:
- The evacuation of a diabetic patient on the Farm Noordhoek (RSE area).
- Stormsvlei, 1 mother and her 3 children rescued by SAPS and EMS
- RSE/Greyton Rd – 2 males rescued
The Overberg District Municipality said the estimated number of affected persons for the region is 600+.
It is expected that the rain will continue until Friday 7 May 2021.