Sailors Rescued As Gonzalo Approached
Two mariners were rescued from their yacht on Friday [Oct 17] after suffering maneuverability issues and weather stress while approximately 200 nautical miles off Bermuda as Hurricane Gonzalo approached.
A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre [BMOC] spokesperson said, “On Friday 17th October 9.50am, Bermuda Islander, approximately 200nm NW of Bermuda, received a VHF DSC undesignated distress alert with position and MMSI.
“The ship proceeded to the distress position and established communications with S/V Troll. The two persons onboard Troll wished to abandon after suffering maneuverability issues and weather stress.
“M/T BW Birch called Bermuda Radio after receiving the DSC alert, and was directed to provide a lee for the Bermuda Islander. Due to weather on scene the Bermuda Islander was unable to come alongside the sailboat. The BW Birch, a ‘very large gas carrier’ was in loaded condition enabling her to come alongside the sailboat at 2:25pm.
“At 4:55pm the uninjured crew members were rescued, in winds of Force five with a four to five metre swell. The BW Birch resumed passage to Vlissingen, Netherlands. RCC Norfolk was kept informed, and notified RCC Bremen of the rescue of two German nationals.”
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So in other words, there’s a free sailboat needing a little tlc out there on the ocean somewhere! Assuming she didn’t sink.
That is about the size of it. They just spent over a year at a Chesapeake bay boatyard refurbishing it. New wood spars, free standing, a whole bunch of other stuff to make it cruise ready. It has a steel hull so as long as it was buttoned up before abandoning there is a good chance that it is indeed out there still very much afloat.