Sailboat Rapture Towed Into Bermuda
The sailboat Rapture was towed into Bermuda this past Sunday [July 6] after suffering a broken down engine and being dismasted.
A Bermuda Maritime Operations Center spokesperson said, “RCC Bermuda receives a satellite telephone call from the master of merchant vessel Torm Lene. The Captain reports he is in position 143nm NW of Bermuda, in communications with sailing yacht Rapture which has a broken down engine and also dismasted.
“The Rapture has 1 person on board and left Bermuda on July 3rd bound for Long Island USA. The sailing yacht is requesting a commercial tow to Bermuda. RCC Bermuda advises Rapture crew should abandon to Torm Lene.
“RCC Bermuda contacts the US Coast Guard in Norfolk who concur. However the Rapture skipper refuses to abandon. RCC Norfolk assume command and release the merchant vessel to continue her voyage.
“Meanwhile another merchant vessel in the vicinity, BBC Kwiatkowski, offers to tow the stricken yacht to Bermuda. A tow line is duly rigged and the sailing yacht Rapture makes way to Bermuda under tow, at a speed of 9 knots.
“Both yacht and merchant ship arrive a few miles offshore of St Georges Harbour shortly before midnight on Monday 7th July. The BBC Kwiatkowski releases the Rapture from the tow line, and continues her voyage to Zaragota, Argentina.
“RCC Bermuda thank and congratulate the master and crew for their sterling efforts. The local commercial tow vessel Line 1 is tasked with towing the yacht into St Georges Harbour, and by 1am both Line 1 and sailing yacht Rapture are safely alongside in St Georges Harbour.”
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Category: Accidents and fires, All
stubborn and stupid of that yachtsman…could have so easily lost his life out there!