Man Overboard Incident During Ocean Breeze Yacht Race
At 02:27 UTC on Monday, December 2nd, a crew member went overboard from the yacht Ocean Breeze in the mid-Atlantic. The rescue operation is currently being coordinated by MRCC Norfolk USA. The casualty’s next of kin has been notified, and an emergency alert has been issued to all shipping for assistance.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Multiple vessels, including ARC yacht Leaps & Bounds 2 and motor vessel Project X, are now involved in the search for the crew member. Unfortunately, air cover is not feasible due to the distance of the incident from land. The casualty was reported to be wearing an automatically inflatable lifejacket with a personal AIS beacon attached.
World Cruising Club, the organizers of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), are closely monitoring the situation. While the circumstances of the incident remain unclear, the safety and well-being of all individuals involved are their top priority.
About Ocean Breeze and ARC 2024
Ocean Breeze is an Austrian-flagged Volvo 70 yacht participating in the IRC racing division of the ARC, an annual event that spans from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. This division requires yachts to adhere to specific safety regulations to ensure the well-being of all participants.
A total of 820 individuals onboard 140 yachts are taking part in ARC 2024, embarking on a challenging 2,700NM journey across the Atlantic. The event began on November 24th, marking the 39th edition of this prestigious sailing competition.
As the search and rescue efforts continue, our thoughts and prayers are with the casualty, their loved ones, and the entire crew of Ocean Breeze during this incredibly difficult time. We will provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
Conclusion
In the world of competitive sailing, the unexpected can happen at any moment. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols and preparedness when venturing into the vast expanse of the open sea. Let us come together as a community to support those affected by this tragic incident and strive to ensure the well-being of all sailors who embark on such daring adventures.
