13/11/2009

At approximately 10:20hrs GMT today, BT crew Sébastien Josse and Jean-François Cuzon who are racing in the IMOCA Open 60 class in the Transat Jacques Vabre two handed race from Le Havre to Costa Rica, activated their EPIRB distress beacon after having suffered major damage following a night battling it out in fierce seas and winds reaching 60 knots at times.

The skippers are in regular contact with Race Director Jean Maurel, and have reported significant damage to the coachroof, and water entering the boat.

The MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) are coordinating operations with the Transat Jacques Vabre Race Direction and the BT shore team, to ensure the safe recovery of the skippers.

MRCC Falmouth confirmed that the RCC Azores had sent a helicopter and a Navy vessel in the direction of BT, also emitting a satellite broadcast alert to shipping in the area.

Photo Credit: T. Martinez Sea and Co
– PR –