Vendée Globe: Frightening images from the Southern Ocean

Following his accident in the Southern Ocean, Frenchman Kito de Pavant sent a video on Tuesday evening in which he shows the damage to the keel of his "Bastide Otio" and explains his situation. The skipper's report is accompanied throughout by the groaning of the keel being torn loose from the keel box. These are frightening scenes, as they are taking place at 44 degrees latitude and the skipper does not know how long the keel will last in this condition.

While the French research and supply ship "Marion Dufresne" was on its way to de Pavant, the unfortunate sailor struggled with his fate and the decision he had to make. For the likeable Kito de Pavant, it is the third knockout blow at the third attempt. Having started as co-favourite in his previous races, the 55-year-old simply wanted to finish this time. But he was not granted that either. On Tuesday evening, the man who had to retire 18 days after the start with a broken mast in 2008/09 and had to abandon the race in 2012/13 after a collision with a fishing trawler, officially confirmed his third retirement.

After his accident and before his planned rescue, Kito de Pavant sent this moving video from the Southern Ocean, accompanied by a frightening soundscape.

The reactions of opponents and comrades? Moving! Yann Eliès said: "I'm so sorry for Kito, who had sailed a very good race until then. I will feel better when I know that he has been saved. He's lucky that he's not so far from the Kerguelen. There's a lot to fear down here and the situation can quickly become dramatic. The Indian Ocean is taking its toll on the fleet. It's a mean and complicated ocean that once again lives up to its reputation."

Kito de Pavant described the situation below deck before the rescue operation, which is planned for early Wednesday morning as daylight breaks: "The water has a temperature of five to six degrees. There is nothing left of the keel box. Part of the keel holder has broken off and come up. One part is still holding the keel. It will either stay like this or it will break even more. Should I leave the boat? It's too dangerous here. I can't do anything. This is the end of the Vendée for me.