Possible Rat Infestation, “Delirious” Solo Sailor

April 24, 2016

A 79-year-old lone sailor was transported to hospital after arriving in Bermuda in a “somewhat delirious” state, with the sailor having reported a “possible infestation of rats onboard preventing him from gaining sleep or access to the cabin area.”

After arriving under police escort and taken to quarantine in Convict Bay, an EMT was arranged to meet the sailor while Department of Health officials, assisted by Bermuda Pest Control, boarded the vessel for further inspection. No sign of rats was detected on-board.

A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “On Wednesday 20th April, 8:06pm. Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre has closed an incident on S/V Lady Lesley which commenced on Sunday 10th April following a call from Solent Coastguard [U.K.].

“The 47ft sloop with a 79 year old lone sailor onboard, located approximately 250 miles south Bermuda, reported a possible infestation of rats onboard preventing him from gaining sleep or access to the cabin area.

“A conference call between RCC Bermuda, MRCC Falmouth and the sailing vessel revealed that the sailor had adequate food and fuel to make it to Bermuda but concerns were expressed about his wellbeing given the unique situation onboard.

“Vessel was put on a communications schedule with Search & Rescue authorities ashore, giving continuous input on his wellbeing and distance from Bermuda.

“On Monday 11th April, M/v Pietro Benedetti established VHF Radio communications with ‘Lady Lesley’ who reports that all is well onboard despite vermin, as he continues towards Bermuda.

“The Bermuda Dept. of Health was briefed on impending arrival and measures implemented to prevent vessel contamination ashore, prior to inspection by local health authorities.

“Over the next few days S/v Lady Lesley continues to close in on Bermuda eventually arriving under police escort and taken to quarantine in Convict Bay.

“Due to possible de-hydration and underlying cardiac issues, an Emergency Medical Technician [EMT] was arranged to meet the sailor on arrival. Department of Health officials, assisted by Bermuda Pest Control, boarded the vessel for further inspection.

“No sign of rats was detected on-board; however, traps were laid as a pre-cautionary measure.

“The de-hydrated and somewhat delirious sailor was initially examined by EMT’s at Ordnance Island and subsequently taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further assessment.”

Read More About

Category: All, News

Comments (14)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. Raymond Ray says:

    I pray he’ll recovers a.s.a.p. Finding rats onboard a ship / boat is nothing new and no-one needs to be surprise…

    • Onion Juice says:

      Hope all is well with him, on top off that a nut case trying to bubble his way here. This open door policy seems to be working well.

  2. Kathy says:

    Don’t bring your vermin here, please!!!

    • Verly says:

      Have a little sympathy, the poor man was no doubt hallucinating due to dehydration. Your nasty attitude is what exterminating in my opinion.

    • Jeremy Deacon says:

      Read it – no rats found

      • JohnBoy says:

        “found” is the key word here! That doesn’t mean they aren’t onboard.

        • Ignorance is not bliss says:

          Article stated ” no sign of rats….” Thus no rats, no rat faeces, no rat odour etc

          Dehydration can cause hallucinations, lack of sleep muddles the brain .

          Some posters could be a little kinder.

  3. Tania Stafford says:

    Another great coordination effort by Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre and our St. George’s based pilot boat. Well done everyone!

  4. Mr. Meoff says:

    ders a rat in da kitchen, whatcha gonna do?
    I gonna flip my wig, dats what I’m gonna do.

  5. Tough Love says:

    My heart honestly goes out to this gentleman. What a torture to not to have rest because your mind is not acting right. Hope he gets better soon.

  6. Its me again says:

    Drugs??

    • Bermy says:

      More likely poor underlying health and dehydration, on top of bobbing around on a featureless Atlantic more than enough to make someone go a bit ratty