Yesterday, the Frenchman had reported from on board via satellite phone that one of the ship's ballast tanks had ruptured in the rough seas and the contents had spread throughout the ship, flooding the battery bank and electronics of his "Nexans Art et Fenetres". The result was a total blackout on board. His mainsail was also damaged in a patent jibe. So yesterday he decided to change course towards Cascais. With the help of his satellite mobile phone, he was in contact with his team and the Route du Rhum race organisers.
It is not yet entirely clear how the fire broke out on board early this afternoon, but what is certain is that there was an explosion and a fire that forced the skipper to abandon ship. He himself posted a picture of himself in a survival suit on board, but the fire is not visible and the Open 60 is still afloat.
The Portuguese sea rescuers then diverted a Maersk Line container ship to him and he was rescued at 14:32. The 44-year-old is now due to be set down in the Azores.
