Environmental campaign capsizes MOD70

Published on September 13th, 2015

(September 13, 2015) – On her way from the Koror Islands to Chagos Islands, in the Indian Ocean, the MOD70 Race for Water trimaran has capsized yesterday at 8:15PM (GMT +1), 90 miles South East from the Chagos Archipelago, as they were navigating by night with 18 to 20 knots of wind. Further information about the exact reasons of the accident will follow. The crew is safe and unhurt inside the upturned main hull.

The shore team are working on solutions to recuperate both crew and yacht. Personnel at the military base in Diego Garcia, less than 100 miles away, have agreed to assist the team. No emergency beacon has been set off and no MayDay requested.

MOD70 Race for Water has been sailing around the world for the Race for Water Odyssey project, to highlight the impact of plastic pollution in the oceans. The professional team have already crossed the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and have an experienced crew onboard, composed of Stève Ravussin, Claude Thélier, Martin Gavériaux, Olivier Rouvillois and Marco Simeoni, expédition leader. They had already sailed more than 32,000 miles for the project.

Further updates will be posted on the website when available: www.raceforwater.org