Storm derails Transatlantic Race

The Canadian military launched a rescue mission on Friday (June 9) to reach several sailing vessels in distress in the mid-Atlantic after high seas and hurricane-strength winds disrupted a race from Britain to the United States.

The defense ministry said it was “responding to distress calls from multiple sailing vessels,” coordinating efforts with marine rescue centers from the United States, Portugal and Britain.

The incident occurred during the Royal Western Yacht Club’s single-handed and two-handed transatlantic race, with 21 entries competing on the course from Plymouth, England to Newport, Rhode Island.

The race began May 29 and is open to mono and multi-hulls between 27 and 60ft in length. Here’s the report from the race organizer:
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In the early hours of Friday 9th June, 60 knot winds and 15 metre seas were experienced by competitors, caused by a very low depression (967 mb). These extreme conditions caused damage to many boats with 3 emergency beacons (EPIRB) triggered. The Canadian coastguard in Halifax immediately reacted to the situation sending ships and air support to all the boats in distress.

The boats affected over the past 36 hours are:
• TAMARIND – Suffered severe damage. Skipper well with no injuries. Rescued by Queen Mary en route to Halifax.
• HAPPY – Dismasted. Both crew rescued by ocean going tug APL FORWARD. No injuries reported.
• FURIA – Boat sunk. Crew rescued by survey vessel THOR MAGNA. No injuries reported.
• HARMONII – Mainsail and track damage. Retired. Heading under engine for the Azores. Skipper ok, no injuries.
• SUOMI KUDU – Mainsail problems. Retired. Heading back to UK. Skipper ok, no injuries.

All other competitors safe but still experiencing a 10 – 15 metre swell, no injuries reported.