7 May 2009
The Dalkiri was on its homeward journey to South Africa from Santa Catarina in Brazil when it was caught in a violent storm on 30 Apr 2009. Their mayday was heard by "Far Away", which was able to relay the message to a South African amateur radio station. The station in turn contacted the Cape Town Centre for the Coordination of Search and Rescue who then requested support from the Brazilian Navy. The Center for the Coordination of Search and Rescue of Rio de Janeiro (Southeast Salvamar), then took control of the search by contacting the various radio stations and ships in the area.
On 1 May, a severe cold front arrived in the area resulting in waves of up to 8m, and winds up to 40 knots (72 km/h). Three merchant ships were requested to help in the search effort, but prevailing sea conditions would not allow for their immediate departure.
As the Dalkiri was some distance from the coast, the Brazilian Navy sent the frigate "Bosísio" to assist. After 3 days of no contact, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) sent a Hercules (C-130) to help search. The following day the ships "Green Harvest" and "Artic Trader" were in radio communication with Dalkiri. The yacht was flooding and having difficulties steering.
The Dalkiri was finally encountered on day 5 - calmer seas and a safe crew were reported. "Bosísio" arrived later in the morning and was able to airlift Heather and Jess from Dalkiri. Unfortunately the sinking Dalkiri had to be left behind. The long journey to Rio required the assistance of "Gastão Mota" for refueling
Heather and Jess are only expected to arrive in Rio on Friday 8 May.
Adapted from the article:
"Resgatadas duas pessoas que estavam à deriva a 2 mil km da costa"
http://extra.globo.com/geral/casosdecidade/
Submitted by Marcelo Gomes -- 6.5.2009 6.5.2009 | 20h30
