Yacht and solo sailor assisted

Reinard Geldenhuys, NSRI Agulhas station commander, said:

At 10h30, Sunday, 16th June, NSRI Agulhas became aware of the yacht LOGOS, sailing from Simonstown to Mosselbay, caught in no wind conditions and under motor power.

The yacht was in the vicinity of Quoin Point and the solo skipper, Stefan Pick from Mossel Bay, feared that he may not make it to Struisbaai on his remaining fuel reserves.

After Marine VHF radio and cellphone contact was lost with the yacht NSRI Hermanus, NSRI Agulhas and NSRI Witsand were placed on alert although no immediate danger was predicted.

Contact was regained at 12h55 establishing the yacht to be at the Twelve Mile Bank, 12 nautical miles South of Agulhas.

At 13h00 the skipper reported engine problems and that he was attempting to make his way to Struisbaai.

As a precaution the decision was made to launch two sea rescue craft, the NSRI Witsand 8.5 meter, Rescue 33 – Breede Rescuer and the NSRI Agulhas 5.5 meter, Rescue 1 Alpha – Vodacom Rescuer II, to go to assist the yacht and to ensure that the yacht and her skipper are brought to safety before dark.

At 14h47 our sea rescue craft Vodacom Rescuer II rendezvouzed with the yacht finding her to no longer be under motor power and in windless conditions and we stood by on the scene pending the arrival of Breede Rescuer.

The sea rescue craft Breede Rescuer arrived on the scene and a towline was established and Breede Rescuer took the yacht under tow.

At 16h25 the yacht was towed safely into Struisbaai harbour without incident and no further assistance was required.

Telkom Maritime Radio Services monitored Marine VHF radio traffic during the operation and MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) remained on alert during the operation.

The skipper will effect repairs to his yacht motor and continue on his voyage when fair winds allow.