SA NAVY divers attend media conference with the Provincial Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Article and photos by Cdr P.G. van den Berg Enquiries: 021 787 4697

Minister Alex Winde, the Provincial Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism for the Western Cape, hosted a media conference on 16 October 2012 for all the role-players involved in the Houtbay boat accident on 13 October.

Fltr - Mr Wilfred Solomons-Johannes (Disaster Management CT), Mariette Du Toit - Helmbold (CEO CT Tourism), Mr Alex Winde (Provincial Minister of Economic Development and Tourism) and Mr Craig Lambinon of the NSRI

The conference was attended by representatives of the National Sea Rescue Institute, NSRI, Cape Town Tourism, Cape Town Disaster Management, the Metro Emergency Services and the SA Navy. It was unfortunate that the entire Naval Dive detachment involved in the rescue was not present (they were busy with another deployment), but those divers that were in attendance felt very proud to be recognised in such a manner.

SAN divers part of the audience listening whilst Mr Alex Winde is briefing the media.

Minister Winde mentioned that he was very proud of all the role-players that managed to resolve this accident in such a professional manner, and that at the start of the Western Cape’s tourism season. Mr Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, representing the City of Cape Town Disaster Management, also lauded the various volunteers, institutions and organisations for their sterling service and teamwork.