NEWSFLASH: SOUTH AFRICAN SEARCH AND RESCUE ORGANISATION (SASAR) EXERCISE IN RICHARDS BAY
The South African Search and Rescue Organisation ("SASAR") was established in terms of the South African Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Act 44 of 2002. Its purpose is to co-ordinate and bring together government departments and private sector organisations to pool their resources to deal with emergencies, such as a passenger or airliner casualty at sea.
Further to our report dated 4 June 2025, SASAR conducted a practical disaster management exercise at Richards Bay on 24 June 2025, which spanned a period of six hours. The attached programme provides details of those involved.
Allan Heydorn from our Richards Bay office participated in his professional capacity to render legal services if required, but also to assist in the deployment of small craft such as ski-boats (including his own) from the boat clubs of which he is an active member, to assist on short notice.
During the debriefing, many shortcomings were identified. The intention is to conduct further exercises to improve on the efficiency of the various role players. A regional search and rescue sub-centre is being established at Richards Bay under the authority of the harbour master.