Images: Eumetsat/NSRI (Click on images for larger view.)
Serious questions need to be asked why this race was allowed to start when severe weather was eminent despite the fact that the weather was calm at the start. As an amateur weather observer I issued the first observation report of unseasonal weather (intense cold front and tropical cyclone Bejisa)on the 2 January 2014 on this Weather Blog. One person is dead and several yachts are in distress and now the NSRI, MRCC, Air Force and other roll players must rescue yachtsmen. Up to now I have not seen any warning from the SA Weather Service. In hindsight it is now easy to say but the weather changed for the worse in a matter of hours but believe me it is not that difficult to observe when unseasonal weather is about to strike. In my opinion this race should never have started when the prediction charts showed an intense and unseasonal cold-front approaching Cape Town and a tropical cyclone moving South West in the direction of South Africa. (Clear recipe for disaster!) It was clear that unseasonal weather were to be expected and therefor the race should have been postponed.
I am not throwing stones here but we need to be more weather wise in this country. We cannot rely on one weather forecasting service alone in and around South Africa. We need to use as many forecasting and weather services that's available to us, free of charge. Lives depend on decisions and reliable weather data and information on a daily basis although some believe that this is not the case.
Finally: It is really sad to observe the carnage the weather caused during the Cape to Rio Race. My condolence to those who lost a loved one and we pray that there would be no more casualties. To all those out there currently assisting with the rescue mission a big thank you to all you brave souls. Bring our yauchties and yourselves safely home.
Compiled by:
Johan Terblanche
Founder: MSBWX, SAWDOS, SAWDIS
Mossel Bay
20h50 SAST
