At 1:50 AM, the race direction of the CIC Normandy Channel Race was notified by CROSS Corsen of a serious accident that occurred off the coast of Brest, involving a Class40 racing yacht. Rescue operations were immediately launched by CROSS, with support from nearby competitors. This incident highlights the critical challenges of maritime safety in competitive sailing events, especially in congested shipping lanes.
Collision Details and Rescue Response
According to a statement from the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture, a sailboat participating in the Normandy Channel Race issued a distress signal after colliding with another vessel southwest of the Ushant Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). The alert was immediately acknowledged by the Regional Operational Center for Surveillance and Rescue (CROSS) of Corsen, which coordinated the rescue operations.
A MAYDAY RELAY distress message was broadcast to nearby vessels. A competing sailboat in the area confirmed the alert, the exact position of the damaged vessel, and the presence of two people on board. CROSS Corsen deployed several rescue assets, including a French Navy H160 helicopter.
Arriving on scene at 2:15 AM, the crew airlifted the two shipwrecked sailors from the damaged Class40. Both individuals were taken to the Brest naval base, where one received treatment from naval firefighters before being transferred to Brest University Hospital for further examination.
Investigation Underway
Maritime authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the accident. The damaged sailboat will be towed as soon as possible, with the assistance of resources currently on site.
The collision reportedly occurred between the racing yacht and a cargo ship in challenging sea conditions. The impact was severe enough to cause significant damage to the sailboat. Reports indicate that despite precautions taken beforehand, including attempts at radio coordination, the accident could not be avoided.
Maritime experts note that the Traffic Separation Scheme near Ushant is one of the busiest shipping corridors in European waters, creating inherent risks for smaller vessels like racing yachts, especially in poor visibility conditions.
Racing Team Support
Fellow competitors in the Class40 EmpowHer (No. 178) provided immediate assistance at the scene. Their quick response played a crucial role in supporting the rescue operation. After deploying their life raft during the rescue effort, the EmpowHer team was unable to recover it and subsequently diverted to Lorient.
Race officials have praised the coordination between competitors, maritime authorities, and rescue services. The French Navy's rapid deployment of aerial resources proved vital in extracting the sailors from a potentially life-threatening situation.
Maritime Safety Protocols
This incident underscores the importance of maritime safety protocols in competitive sailing events. All vessels participating in the Normandy Channel Race are equipped with emergency locator beacons and communication equipment specifically for such emergencies.
The investigation will likely examine all aspects of the incident, including communication between vessels, adherence to maritime right-of-way rules, and visibility conditions at the time of the collision. Maritime authorities have confirmed that they are gathering evidence from all parties involved to establish a complete picture of the events leading up to the accident.
Race organizers have stated they will cooperate fully with the investigation while continuing to monitor the condition of the affected sailors and providing necessary support to all competitors.
