Two Oceans Marine launches final ORC in milestone NSRI partnership
Cape Town, South Africa — Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing has launched RESCUE 8 – Spirit of Ubuntu, the latest Offshore Rescue Craft (ORC) built for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). Destined for NSRI Station 8 in Hout Bay, the vessel marks the completion of the current series of ORCs developed through a partnership that has strengthened South Africa’s offshore search and rescue capabilities.
Launched under grey skies and light rain, RESCUE 8 represents the culmination of years of collaboration, engineering, and craftsmanship. The self-righting, state-of-the-art rescue vessel joins the NSRI fleet, ready to serve on the days when people need her most.
The ORC programme began with the introduction of the first vessel, RESCUE 5 – Alick Rennie, which was built in France and delivered to NSRI Station 5 in Durban. This was followed by RESCUE 10 – Donna Nicholas, which was completed in South Africa by Two Oceans Marine and delivered to NSRI Station 10 in Simon’s Town.
A significant milestone was reached in December 2021 with the launch of RESCUE 17, delivered to NSRI Station 17 in Hermanus. RESCUE 17 was the first Offshore Rescue Craft built entirely in South Africa, by South Africans, marking a major achievement for the local marine manufacturing industry.
Since then, Two Oceans Marine has continued to build ORCs for NSRI stations around the South African coastline, delivering vessels designed to meet the demanding requirements of offshore search and rescue operations.
The ORC launches have included:
Each ORC combines advanced technology, exceptional stability, and robust construction, providing NSRI crews with the capability and confidence required to operate in some of the most challenging conditions at sea.
For Two Oceans Marine, RESCUE 8 is more than the launch of another vessel — it represents the impact of a partnership built around innovation, local expertise, and a shared commitment to saving lives along South Africa’s coastline.
