17H33 SAST - SEA RESCUE – Atlantic Ocean – Monday, 06th January, 2014. Cape to
Rio yacht race rescue mission
update:
A JOC (Joint Operations Control) was set up
at MRCC, and included Rio Race Control, NSRI and MRCC, to coordinate the joint
rescue and assistance operation.
Dr. Cleeve Robertson, NSRI Chief Executive
Officer, has also commended the SA Navy for their quick response at dispatching
the SA Navy frigate ISANDLWANA, she departed the Table Bay Port in record time,
going to the assistance of the yacht Bille and then to the assistance of other
yachts affected.
MRCC, the Transnet National Ports Authority,
Telkom Maritime Radio Services, the SA Navy, the SA Air Force 22 Squadron and 35
Squadron, NSRI's Table Bay, Mykonos and Airborne Sea Rescue Unit, and Rio Race
Control played a vital role and ships at sea in the vicinity at the time that
have diverted to lend assistance are commended.
The current status from the JOC at MRCC is as
follows:
Current situation as follows at the MRCC JOC:
1. Yacht Indaba returning to Cape Town under sail with a crew person
sustained a medical injury aboard and in a stable condition being monitored by
the JOC.
2. Yacht AVA has been found, following a search, and her crew are okay. She
is sailing back to Cape Town under her own sail.
3. Yacht BILLE has had all crew evacuated to the SA Navy ship SAS
Isandlwana and the yacht is adrift at sea waiting a tow by FV Allison chartered
by Owner. The body of the deceased is in the care of the SAS ISANDLWANA.
4. Yacht ISLA had a fire aboard last night and is now under tow by Smit
Madura, a salvage vessel that was dispatched by MRCC, and they are heading back
to Cape Town.
5. Yacht BLACK CAT is under tow by NSRI Table Bay's SPIRIT OF VODACOM and
returning to Cape Town.
6. Yacht AVANTI is sailing to Saldhana Bay and will probably withdraw from
the race.
7. Yacht AVOCET is sailing back to CT and will probably withdraw from the
race.
8. Yacht DO DO, just south of AVA at present, is also returning to Cape
Town under sail. She had torn sails and experienced steering problems but SAS
Isandlwana reports she has confirmed all OK at present. NSRI Hout Bay is on
standby in case she needs assistance. Isandlwana will return to BILLE to await
FV Allison subject to any further tasking.
9. A non Cape to Rio participant, the yacht IDEFIX2, with 2 Crew aboard has
reported to be disabled and adrift 216 Nautical Miles West of Saldhana Bay and
she has declared an emergency. They are unable to sail or motor and are using
remaining fuel to keep batteries charged for radio. MRCC has despatched a bulk
carrier to investigate and then to report back to MRCC for further action
required.
10. SAAF Dakota, 35 Squadron, at Air Force Base Ysterplaat has stood down
at present, her crew remain on alert and available if required. NSRI Airborne
Sea Rescue Unit remain on alert.
For media comment contact MRCC 021 9383300.
-ENDS-
09h40 SAST - NSRI Table Bay launch to assist Cape to Rio yacht:
NSRI Table Bay launched the sea rescue craft SPIRIT OF VODACOM, just after
09h00, Monday, 06 January, to respond to rendezvous with the Cape to Rio yacht
BLACK CAT 75 nautical miles off-shore of Cape Town.
BLACK CAT, with four persons onboard, are adrift at sea suffering rudder
damage and are unable to sail. All crew of BLACK CAT are reported to be safe,
not injured and in no immediate danger.
NSRI Table Bay were activated this morning by the Transnet National Ports
Authority following a request by MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) who
are coordinating multiple rescue and assistance operations to Cape to Rio yachts
affected by weather during the early stage of the Cape to Rio yacht race.
The intention is to render assistance and to tow the yacht to Port in Cape
Town.
-ENDS-
-ENDS-
07h18 SAST - SEA RESCUE – Atlantic Sea – Monday, 06th January, 2014. NSRI on
alert for Cape to Rio yachts hit by rough
seas:
MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) summoned ships at sea to respond
to emergency distress calls from yachts affected while activating the SA Navy to
dispatch resources.
Telkom Maritime Radio Services are assisting with communications.
Cape to Rio Headquarters confirmed that yacht BILLE de-masted during the
afternoon of Sunday 05th January and of her crew were injured with one confirmed
fatality onboard. Communications were then also lost with yacht AVA.
Race yachts were diverted to assist while the SA Navy Naval Frigate
ISLANDWANA departed from the Port of Table Bay to respond on a rescue mission
during the night, departing in 75 minutes following a full crew recall.
Various other yachts suffered damage in what is reported as conditions of
up to 8 meter swells and up to 60 knot gale force winds. Some yachts are limping
back to Saldanha Bay and to Cape Town.
The Cape to Rio web site are keeping updates with information.
NSRI, the SA Air Force and the WC Government Health EMS remain on high
alert to assist if necessary.
MRCC continue to coordinate the rescue operation.
-ENDS-
Released
by:
Craig Lambinon
NSRI
