The Volvo Ocean 65 lies dry on its side, as if waiting for the next high tide to sail on. But instead of Wattidyll, this photo from the Mauritian coastguard shows the full drama of the night-time stranding on St Brandon Atoll.
Neil Cox, manager of the team's shore crew, said: "The picture is worth a thousand words." For now, the aim is to salvage as much as possible. All fluids such as diesel and hydraulic oil, all lines, electronics and other equipment had been removed from the boat.
Salvaging the yacht is likely to be difficult due to its position. It has apparently slipped completely over the reef and is in the shallow lagoon, which is probably why it did not sink despite the water ingress. To recover it, it would probably have to be lifted or dragged over the reef or lifted by helicopter. In any case, a complex and, this far out in the ocean, expensive operation.
However, Cox says that the main focus is on the crew for now: "We still have nine guys sitting out there on a sandbank." The island has few means of communication and the crew are currently waiting for transport to Mauritius. In the meantime, they were supplied with food from the air.
Meanwhile, not much has changed in the race. The gaps are similar to yesterday afternoon and there is still a lull in the action.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
