Transatlantic Sailors Rescued by an EPIRB

At 0308Z on 8 November, Falmouth Coastguard received a distress signal from a 406 MHz emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) from a yacht in a position 270 miles out in the Atlantic.

In close liaison with the French and other SAR authorities, they attempted to identify what other vessels were nearby to assist, and what SAR units were best placed to assist the yacht.

It turned out that 2 yachts taking part in the Transat Jacques Vabre , from Le Havre to Brazil, were in trouble. Orange Project with 2 on board capsized whilst Foncia capsized 30 miles from Orange Project.

The dismasted Sodebo was taken under tow to Brest by a French fishing vessel. The 2 Swiss crew from Orange Project were rescued by a French helicopter, having had a dinghy dropped to them by a RAF Nimrod. The 2 Irish and French crew of Foncia are also safe.

The Falmouth Coastguard Duty Watch Manager commented 'We are pleased that we could assist our French Colleagues with the help of the Royal Air Force in this search and rescue mission, and are happy that all 4 men have been rescued and are alive.'

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