Fuel costs could 'sink' NSRI

The new fuel price that will have motorists throttling back also could have the National Sea Rescue Institute ending up in deep water.

According to NSRI executive chief Ian Wienburg, the institute could have a shortfall of R146 842 on its fuel account.

According to Meriel Bartlett, the NSRI's marketing manager, the institute has the help of 700 volunteers and 53 rescue craft at its disposal.

Sea rescue is prepared for any possible event, but a lack of fuel could easily hamper the NSRI's operations, she said.

According to Wienburg, this year's budget provided for 118 554 litres of fuel which would have cost R492 000.

He said that, with the imminent increase in the fuel price (on Wednesday), a further R94 842 would be needed, pushing up the fuel costs for 2005 to R586 842.

The bulk has been financed by petroleum companies BP, Caltex and Engen, said Wienburg.

R147 000 shortfall
This year, the companies had contributed about R440 000. The shortfall of R52 000 has been financed by individuals.

After the increase, however, there will still be an outstanding amount of R146 842.

"We will have to make a plan quickly to keep our heads above water. All we can hope for now is that the oil companies will advance a further R100 000."

The NSRI has 30 rescue bases that are always on standby.

The institute has never had to turn a call down in its history so far, but with the recent increase, this could well happen.