RTSA & NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute)
Spirit of Round Table II (19A)
Type: Gemini 8.5m RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
Pictured: Spirit of Round Table II (Station 19A), crewed by NSRI volunteers during operations at Richards Bay, South Africa (from 2016).
The Spirit of Round Table II is a quick-response rescue vessel sponsored by the Round Table movement and dedicated to South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). The boat, measuring approximately 8.5 m, was officially blessed at NSRI Richards Bay on 2 December 2016. The donor–recipient relationship was described at the ceremony as being “like a transplant,” underscoring the lifesaving role the vessel would fulfill.
Name
The vessel was named after the Spirit of Round Table, a vessel donatedby RTBI to the RNLI.
Blessing of the Vessel
On 2 September 2016, NSRI Station 19 at Richards Bay received the Spirit of Round Table II, an 8.5 m semi-rigid quick response vessel donated by Round Table Southern Africa. The official blessing ceremony was held later that year at the rescue base, with Station Commander Dorian Robertson welcoming guests. Proceedings were led by Dave Savides, who likened the donation to a “kidney transplant,” symbolising Round Table as the donor and the NSRI as the recipient working together for the greater good. The vessel was christened in champagne by Riane van de Linde, after which Martin van de Linde formally handed over the keys to Eddie Noyons, Chairman of the Operations Board, and then to Dorian Robertson. The event concluded with group photographs and a reception, marking the beginning of the vessel’s service at Richards Bay. (nsri page🔗)
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