A big thank you to the crew of HMAS Arunta
At about 10am GMT today the crew of the Australian Naval frigate HMAS ARUNTA rescued Yann Eliès who had suffered a broken leg during the Vendée Globe – the single-handed non-stop round the world yacht race.
Yann’s yacht Generali was approximately 200 miles south of Australia when the accident happened. He managed to crawl back to his bunk from the foredeck where he had been working, and spent two days unable to leave the bunk to get food, water, or medical supplies, being tossed around by the waves in the Southern Ocean.
Two other competitors, Marc Guillemot and Sam Davies diverted in extremely difficult sailing conditions to proved any support they could, although Sam Davies was advised to continue on in the race before she could get to him. Marc Guillemot kept his boat at times within throwing distance of Generali for two days, talking to Yann continuously on the radio and trying to keep his spirits up. He also tried unsuccessfully to throw him water and painkillers. His job was made more difficult by the fact that Generali’s sails were still up so the boat was continuing to sail.
This is far from the first time that the Australian Navy hasn’t hesitated to provide assistance to sailors who get into trouble in the Southern Ocean, and a huge debt of gratitude is owed to them by any sailor who has passed through Australian territorial waters, and indeed the Southern Ocean.
There is a short video of Yann being transferred onto the Navy RIB here, and a longer one by Marc Guillemot here. Other videos – Marc arriving on station at Generali, and attempting to throw supplies to Yann.
