Maritime And Coastguard Agency: Family await rescue after hitting low lying iceberg

A couple and their two teenaged daughters are waiting to be rescued from the south Atlantic after their yacht hit a low lying iceberg north-east of South Georgia.

Falmouth Coastguard was alerted to their predicament after their 406 mhz emergency position indicating radio beacon was activated.  The coastguard picked up the position as being 285 miles north-east of South Georgia and contacted the Falkland Island authorities.

John Rossiter, Falmouth Coastguard Watch Manager says:

“The Falkland Island authorities have now spoken to the couple on their satellite phone.  Their vessel is stable but it has taken some water and has no engine power.  It seems that the yacht hit a low lying iceberg in bad weather and broached.  There were 50 knot winds from the west earlier on, but the weather is now improving.  The warship HMS Clyde is 200 miles south of the yacht and is making its way towards the family.  The ship is due to arrive on scene tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.

The Falkland Island authorities are coordinating the incident and we are liaising with them and with our colleagues at Rescue Coordination Centre Kinloss.  We are ensuring that the Falklands have all the information that they need about the yacht and are liaising with shore contacts here in the UK.”

Notes to editors

Notes to editors:

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Before you set to sea remember to:

get trained;

wear a lifejacket;

avoid alcohol;

take a method of communication with you; and

check the weather and tides.

Contacts

NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the above department
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk