|
Article and photographs
by Capt Piet Smit
Lifesavers: The members of Table Bay Harbour SAPS
who saved the lives of two immigrants.
Fltr:
Constable Petersen, Inspector Watson,
Constable Clay,
Constable Mateyise
and Inspector Skippers
On Wednesday, 10 August 2005 the management of Table Bay
Harbour SAPS commended five of their members for their
heroism in the line of duty. Inspectors Watson and Skippers
and Constables Clay, Petersen and Mateyise risked their own
lives to save two illegal immigrants from death. On Wednesday, 15 June 2005, at about 12:55, a call
was received at Table Bay Harbour SAPS requesting urgent
assistance on a vessel named Cargo Endurance. The
members rushed to the vessel and upon arrival it was
determined that two illegal Angolan immigrants were trapped
in the hold of the vessel, which was filled with grain.
At that point, only their heads were visible among
the tons of grain. Realizing that the immigrants were
facing death as a result of suffocation and without a
thought for their own safety, Inspector Watson and Constable
Petersen went down the hold to rescue the two immigrants.
Meanwhile, Inspector Skippers and Constables Clay and
Mateyise fashioned a hoist which they lowered to these
members who in turn attached it to the immigrants,
whereafter they were all lifted to safety. Resuscitative
procedures were followed until the paramedics arrived at the
scene. The two immigrants were admitted to Somerset Hospital
and later discharged in good health.
Speaking
at the function held at the Lifestyle Studio, Victoria &
Alfred Waterfront, Station Commissioner: Supt van der Toorn
applauded the members for their act of bravery and presented
them with certificates of commendation. |
