NSRI's historic Hout Bay rescue headquarters to be demolished for new facility
An artist impression of the new NSRI Sea Rescue headquarters in Hout Bay.
Image: Supplied
The National Sea Rescue Institute's (NSRI) historic Sea Rescue base in Hout Bay will be demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art facility to be unveiled in June next year.
The original base, which has stood for decades, will be replaced with a modern rescue base designed to house a brand new 14.8-metre Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC), currently under construction by Two Oceans Marine in Cape Town.
Spencer Oldham, Station 8 Hout Bay station commander, said this next-generation rescue vessel will significantly enhance crew safety and improve response capabilities in all weather conditions, marking a substantial upgrade from the current 45-year-old rescue boat, which will be retired
"The NSRI wishes to inform the Hout Bay community that demolition of the Sea Rescue base in Hout Bay harbour has begun to make way for a state-of-the-art facility that will better serve our volunteers and the public," he said.
The old NSRI Sea Rescue headquarters has been part of the Hout Bay community for decades.
Image: Supplied
Despite the demolition, NSRI Station 8 will remain fully operational and on-standby to respond to emergencies. Essential equipment has been relocated to a temporary containerised base in the harbour, ensuring uninterrupted rescue service.
Specialists have already safely removed the asbestos roof of the existing base. Following this, roof trusses will be dismantled, and full demolition work will commence.
Companies involved, such as Hamilton Plant Hire for the demolition, AsbesAway for asbestos removal, Safety Network Africa monitored the air and EnviroServe was responsible for the transport and disposal — all contributing their services free of charge.
"We are deeply grateful for their generosity and community spirit," Mr Oldham said.
Next up on the plan is for the building contractor to commence with new construction, with the aim of completing the new rescue base by June 2026, as well as the new ORC vessel arriving on station.
“We are proud of the legacy of Station 8 in Hout Bay and excited about the future. This new base and vessel will ensure that we are better equipped to save lives and serve the community,” Mr Oldham said.
For updates and to support our mission, please visit www.nsri.org.za
The NSRI's equipment will soon be housed in a new headquarters.
Image: Supplied