Sturmvideo
13 November 2009
Transat Jacques Vabre 2009 http://www.jacques-vabre.com
Day 5 - BT skippers safe and sound, boat salvage plan underway
Just before 1800 GMT, Sébastien Josse and Jean-François Cuzon
were confirmed safe and sound, and in a helicopter heading back
to Terceira (Azores). The helicopter was aboard the Ocean
Explorer scientific vessel, which came to the crew's rescue.
This episode has put an end to an extremely stressful and
anguishing day. Aboard a yacht two thirds full of water
following significant damage to the coachroof, the two BT
skippers, Sébastien Josse and Jean-François Cuzon, had activated
their EPIRB distress beacon this morning at 1020 GMT. The rescue
operation was immediately kickstarted by the MRCC (Maritime
Rescue Co-ordination Centre), in conjunction with the BT
technical team and the Transat Jacques Vabre Race Direction. A
tugboat is now on standby in the Azores, and all efforts will
now be made to salvage the BT yacht. The technical team left the
UK at midday, and will be on the islands this evening to prepare
this next phase. The BT sailing team extend their deepest thanks
to the rescue services for all their remarkable efforts in
finding and bringing assistance to Seb and Jean-François. Read
More » [http://www.btsebjosse.com/news.asp?sid=22595]
For further information on the BT Team Ellen contact:
Julie Royer,
BT Team Ellen Communications Manager,
Email: [julie.royer@ocgroup.com],
BT activates distress beacon, rescue process is activated
At approximately 10:20hrs GMT today, BT crew Sébastien Josse and Jean-François Cuzon who are racing in the IMOCA Open 60 class in the Transat Jacques Vabre two handed race from Le Havre to Costa Rica, activated their EPIRB distress beacon after having suffered major damage following a night battling it out in fierce seas and winds reaching 60 knots at times.
The skippers are in regular contact with Race Director Jean Maurel, and have reported significant damage to the coachroof, and water entering the boat.
The MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) are coordinating operations with the Transat Jacques Vabre Race Direction and the BT shore team, to ensure the safe recovery of the skippers.
MRCC Falmouth confirmed that the RCC Azores had sent a helicopter and a Navy vessel in the direction of BT, also emitting a satellite broadcast alert to shipping in the area.
BT was positioned 210 miles North of the Azores at position 42 10º N - 27 50º W.
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