"Malizia Explorer": Team Malizia mourns the loss of co-sailor Lukas Wehage

The sad news came on the evening of 23 April. Team Malizia sent a statement on the fatal accident of a fellow sailor on board of the research vessel "Malizia Explorer". The statement said: "Team Malizia is deeply saddened to confirm, together with the family, the death of 32-year-old Lukas Wehage from Germany, who was travelling on the research vessel 'Malizia Explorer'.

Fatal diving accident shortly before crossing the Atlantic

The tragic accident occurred on the afternoon of 22 April 2026 in the area of Fernando de Noronha, a group of islands off the coast of Brazil. The ship had just arrived from Rio de Janeiro on the same day. According to the team report, the almost 26-metre-long "Malizia Explorer" was anchored in the bay of Praia do Porto in the north-east of the main island. The crew had made a scheduled stopover there as part of a scientific project before the planned Atlantic crossing.

Shortly after arriving, several people from on board went swimming around the boat. Among them was Lukas Wehage. The Brazilian radio station Folha reported a fatal diving accident. According to further team information, a statement from the health authorities of the archipelago said that Lukas Wehage had suffered a 'sudden faint underwater'.

The nearby crew members of the 'Malizia Explorer' "reacted immediately", alerted the rescue service and provided first aid. The Malizia statement went on to say that the local rescue services also "reacted quickly, continued the resuscitation measures on site and took the casualty to the hospital (ed.: São Lucas)". Despite all efforts, Lukas Wehage died there. According to the team, the circumstances of the fatal accident on the evening of 23 April had not yet been clarified in detail. An investigation has already been launched to clarify the exact circumstances.

Team Malizia mourns with the family of Lukas Wehage

According to Team Malizia, Lukas Wehage spent "several months travelling overland and on the water as a backpacker". He met the crew of the Malizia Explorer in Argentina's southernmost city of Ushuaia in December 2025. The statement from Team Malizia continued: "Given his enthusiasm, friendliness and deep passion for sailing and the sea, the crew was delighted to have him on board a few months later, in March 2026, for the Atlantic crossing."

Team Malizia, the crew of the "Malizia Explorer" and also Boris Herrmann, who is at his team's headquarters in Lorien's harbour La Base this week, are in close contact with Lukas Wehage's family. They are "offering their full support at this incredibly difficult time". The team is also working with the local and German authorities. Support is also being provided to "those on board who have been affected by this tragic event".

Team Malizia expressed its deepest condolences to the family, friends and everyone who knew Lukas. According to the statement on the death of Lukas Wehgae, further information will be provided "in due course".