Competing in the Newport Beach to Ensenada Race, the Aegean was apparently run over by an as yet unknown ship of unknown tonnage around 0130 hrs Saturday in the area of the Coronado Islands. The time of the tragedy is based upon the time the Aegean's track disappeared from NOSA's monitoring system. Three deceased have been recovered and a fourth is missing. Debris, including the yacht's stern have also been recovered. Everyone assumes the Aegean was racing and not returning at that moment. Boats in the area were reporting winds between 1 and 2 knots at the time.
I have found myself racing across shipping lines at night in drifting conditions. I know how there is a tension, upon encountering shipping, between turning on the engine or trying as long as possible to maneuver under sail. Turning on the ignition cancels a boat's competition in the race and denies the team the satisfaction of scoring a finish. On a long, one way race, that's a tremendous downer. However, powering up can obviously do much to avoid a far greater tragedy.
What happened aboard the Aegean? The greatest tragedy of all is to lose lives and not to learn lessons.
What happened aboard the Aegean? The greatest tragedy of all is to lose lives and not to learn lessons.
At the very least, with no wind, no one is going to DSQ you if you get the engine running and leave it in neutral. Not IMO.
ReplyDeleteAccording to a report in the Washington Post, which reports on the debris and the bodies found, this was definitely a collision case and not an on-board propane explosion. Also the owner of the Aegean was an experienced sailor. He had even won his class in the Newport-Ensenada race in the past.
ReplyDeleteGPS (Spot LLC) suggests Aegean grounded on rocky island off Mexico is discussed.
ReplyDelete