**Excerpt:** A rower competing in the World’s Toughest Row Race was rescued by the Coast Guard and a tanker crew after his boat capsized in the Atlantic Ocean.
Key Points
– Benoit Bourguet, 47, capsized approximately 1,275 miles east of Puerto Rico.
– The Coast Guard received distress alerts and coordinated with race organizers for assistance.
– A tanker, Horten, diverted its course to conduct the rescue, taking over 12 hours to reach Bourguet.
– Bourguet was found dehydrated but in good health after spending about 24 hours in distress.
– The incident highlights the importance of having a registered personal distress beacon.
Rescue Operation Details
Benoit Bourguet, a 47-year-old Belgian rower, was competing in the World’s Toughest Row Race when his single-man vessel, the City of Liverpool, capsized due to “two rogue waves.” The incident occurred approximately 1,275 miles east of Puerto Rico, and Bourguet deployed a life raft before he was rescued.
Distress Signals
The U.S. Coast Guard received two emergency distress alerts overnight from Bourguet’s vessel. The first alert was logged around 2 a.m., followed by a signal from a personal beacon device. After contacting race organizers, it was confirmed that Bourguet had not responded to messages sent to him, and another team in the race also failed to establish contact.
Rescue Coordination
The Coast Guard issued a call for assistance to a nearby tanker, Horten, which was about 110 miles away and traveling from Germany to Guyana. After diverting its course, it took over 12 hours for the tanker to reach Bourguet’s location, during which the Coast Guard maintained communication with the crew.
Successful Rescue
Upon arrival, the Horten crew spotted Bourguet’s life raft and successfully brought him aboard using a life ring. The Coast Guard reported that Bourguet was dehydrated but otherwise in good health. Arrangements were made for his transfer from the tanker at a later time.
Safety Reminder
The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of having a functioning personal distress beacon registered with maritime authorities. The managing company of the Horten, Zodiac Maritime, praised its crew for their professionalism and coordination in the rescue effort.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by participants in extreme endurance challenges such as ocean rowing races.
Leave a Reply