The good news first: miraculously, the 84-year-old solo skipper from Grauhöft survived the accident with only minor injuries. His boat, a Hallberg-Rassy 24 Misil, on the other hand, is likely to have been totalled.
Several eyewitnesses claim to have seen the German skipper suddenly sail directly in front of the bow of the departing ferry, leaving the captain with no way of avoiding it. The sailing boat was rammed with full force on the starboard side by the ferry and dismasted. The deck superstructure was also completely destroyed. The ferry crew and another German ship, which immediately rushed to help, assisted the owner, who was in shock, and ensured that the damaged boat and skipper could be brought into Rudkøbing harbour. The mast was also removed from the fairway by a workboat on the same day and brought ashore.
The 84-year-old was given emergency medical treatment in the harbour, but was released a short time later at his request.
The question of who was responsible for the accident has not yet been clarified. The Funen police, whose jurisdiction includes Langeland, did not wish to comment to YACHT as they are still awaiting the report from the Danish Maritime Authority "Søfartsstyrelsen". The owner of the damaged vessel has also not commented on the course of the accident.
Morten Strauch
Editor News & Panorama
