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The voice on the radio being broadcast throughout the bridge of the SAS Talana was distorted by the hum of the sea boat’s engine, wind and the slap of the RHIB’s hull on the water.
‘Say again, Ironman,’ Captain Fourie said into his microphone.
Petty Officer Bruce Irons – Ironman to all ranks on his ship – was coxswain of one of the rigid-hulled inflatable boats racing towards the Penfold Son and the reported location of the crashed Rooivalk.
‘Sir, we’ve just heard what sounds like gunfire coming from the direction of the Penfold Son. Request further orders, over.’
Fourie turned to Commander Kumalo. ‘XO, get on to that bloody freighter and find out what’s going on.’ To his small boat crew he said, ‘Ironman, cut your engine and hold your position. Tell the other RHIB to do the same.
