There was only just over half an hour between the two accidents on Monday. Firstly, at 02:27 UTC, the crew of the Volvo 70 racer "Ocean Breeze" made an emergency call because a crew member had gone overboard. YACHT-Online had already reported on this yesterday evening. Then, at 03:00 UTC, the crew of the Swedish-flagged Leopard 45 "Karolina Viking" reported water ingress and the subsequent failure of the on-board electrical system. Both boats are participating yachts in the current ARC from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia.
More on the topic:
The catamaran crew localised the leak in the starboard engine compartment. Apparently, a massive amount of water was leaking in via the rudder stock. The skipper then made an emergency call. In consultation with MRCC Cape Verde, he initially decided to head for the Cape Verde Islands using the remaining port engine, around 300 nautical miles into the wind.
Water ingress and power failure: the crew abandons ship
At least two other ARC yachts sailing in the vicinity set course for the distressed vessel in order to be able to provide assistance if necessary. This actually became necessary later on.
According to a statement from the ARC organiser, the British company World Cruising Club, the on-board electrical system of the twin-hull vessel failed several hours after the leak occurred. The skipper had already deviated from the plan to head for Cape Verde. Instead, he had set course for the ARC yacht "Cinderella di Sanremo", which had rushed to his aid. The two ships met at around midday (UTC).
In the afternoon, the crew of five decided to leave the "Karolina Viking". They transferred to the "Cinderella di Sanremo", a 22.5 metre long Jongert, which is also sailed by five crew members. All crew members are safe, World Cruising announced. There is currently no further information on the whereabouts of the catamaran.
Search for missing sailor of the "Ocean Breeze" ended unsuccessfully
Regarding the accident on the "Ocean Breeze", MRCC Norfolk has meanwhile announced that in view of the fading daylight and deteriorating sea state, MRCC has ended the active search on Monday, 2 December, at 20:45 UTC. All vessels capable of doing so should nevertheless alter course to pass the search area at 20° 24.838 N and 043° 11.623 W and look for signs of a person in the water. In particular, all ARC yachts were asked to comply with the MRCC's request.
The area will be changed over time to account for drift rates and weather conditions. MRCC Norfolk will continue to provide updated coordinates.
