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White Satin - Unexpected events



Wednesday 23rd November

444 miles sailed 2350 miles to go

What we had planned to say originally in today's log is now somewhat trivial

as at 14:20 we intercepted a Mayday call from a neighbouring boat. We have been sailing close to Noah for the last 36 hours and have been following them on our screen. They sent out a Mayday call stating that they were sinking and there were 3 adults and 2 children on board (Vicki is fairly certain it is the 'adorable' German family mentioned in the log last week - we had lunch with them on the day of the seminars).

We were only 5 miles north of their position so we pulled down the sails and immediately motored over to them - it took us about an hour to reach them. Step by Step, a catamaran, also arrived shortly after us. However, in the
meantime, a British commercial ship, James Cook, also attended the scene. All four boats were in constant communication with each other and Noah must have been reassured to know that help was on the way. We stood by until James Cook arrived. The family on Noah deployed their liferaft. The rescue operation was managed most professionally by the Captain of James Cook, he allowed them to drift towards him and then the passengers climbed up scrambling nets on the side of the ship to safety. The lady of the Noah contacted us after their rescue to let us know that they are all safe and well and to thank us for our support. Our hearts go out to them and we wish
them well for whatever happens now.

We are very grateful that we are on the ARC and surrounded by so many helpful hands.

Sobering times.
Vicki

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