After last night’s incident, GEMINI 3 is sailing on its own to the nearest port of safety – Rio Gallegos in Argentina. The left hull of the catamaran has been flooded in two of its main compartments: navigation and engine. There is the possibility of structural damage below the water line. There is no immediate danger to life, and all actions taken by the captain are devoted to saving the
boat.From the moment of the incident Roman Paszke is piloting the boat from the right hull. At the moment GEMINI 3 is continuing her journey on reduced sails using the left backstay, with the wind blowing from the South-West with a speed of 19,5 knots (36 km/h). However, the wind direction may change to North-West (NW) around 09.00 UTC (10.00 Polish time)
Captain Paszke is in direct contact with his Land Team in Poland as well as with the Argentinean SAR sea and rescue service, which is monitoring the situation and have offered their assistance – should it be required. Thanks to the NavSim Company GEMINI 3 has received via satellite the newest navigation maps of the approach to the port of Rio Gallegos. Presently the distance to the port is approximately 160 nautical miles (295 km.).
Any decisions regarding further plans of the race will be taken after arriving at the port of safety.
Position: 50º72.40 S. ; 65º06.47 W. Direction: 276º. Boat speed: 4 to 6 knots
01/07/2012
ResponderExcluirAfter 25 hours of navigation with a broken left float, since the accident, the yacht GEMINI 3, assisted by a tugboat docked in Rio Gallegos, Argentina.