ARC Day 8: Reality Check

The skippers of each boat receive a daily status update email from ARC control.

On December 2nd, this was the content of the message:

Mayday from Ocean Breeze

A MOB (Man Overboard) was reported at 0227 UTC. The MOB was wearing a lifejacket equipped with AIS. The crew continues to search the last known position (below). The last update from onboard was at 0900 UTC. The MOB has not been recovered as of now.

Yacht Leaps & Bounds is the nearest ARC vessel, with an ETA of 1200 UTC. Another vessel, Project X, has a similar course and ETA and is also heading to assist in the search. MRCC Norfolk is coordinating the effort. Any further offers of assistance should contact MRCC Norfolk, who have issued an emergency alert to shipping for help. Aviation cannot be tasked at this time. We await further updates from Ocean Breeze. This information remains confidential within the fleet until further notice.

Position of Ocean Breeze

Monday, 02 December 2024, at 08:50:00 UTC

020° 23.022N

042° 57.882W

Update on Karolina Viking

At 0330 UTC, Karolina Viking reported that its starboard rudder had become detached, causing water to flood the starboard engine space. Some water has also reached the starboard hull. The situation is stabilizing. The port engine remains operable, and the yacht is making its way to Cape Verde. Cinderella de Sanremo is closing on their position, less than 10 miles away. Akula will stand by if needed. The incident is being coordinated by JRCC Cabo Verde.

Position of Karolina Viking

Monday, 02 December 2024, at 08:50:00 UTC

019° 04.614N

030° 10.008W

Speed: 4.4 knots

Course: 137°

Today’s Update

• Ocean Breeze: Search called off. Our hearts go out to the family of the victim and the crew of Ocean Breeze.

• Karolina Viking: Abandoned ship. The crew was rescued by another vessel.

Ocean Breeze was a racing yacht in first place and must have been pushing hard. The circumstances of the MOB have not been reported, but on racing boats, the most common cause of MOB incidents is someone being hit by the boom. (This risk is mitigated on MackenSea due to the design of our catamaran.)

Such are the dangers of offshore sailing. It’s a reminder to keep things in perspective: I’d rather be out here on the open ocean than driving on a snowy highway in Ontario.

Why Is It So Hard?

Visibility is limited. During the day, even a large sailing vessel can be hard to see at a distance of more than three miles. Beyond five miles, it’s invisible. At night, you’re searching for a small light, and you must know the MOB’s position to recover them.

Aboard MackenSea

The news above is sobering and a strong reminder of why I’ve been strict aboard MackenSea. The reality is that if someone goes overboard at night and isn’t seen, recovery is unlikely. Even with electronic gadgets, the odds are slim. If someone does see the MOB and follows the process, there’s a chance. The only truly safe strategy is to avoid a MOB altogether.

Our Rules:

1. Wear your lifejacket, properly fitted. Ensure it has a light a whistle and an automatic AIS transponder.

2. Carry a handheld EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), which signals rescue services and reports your position via satellite. Know how to use it.

3. Use a 3-point safety tether to secure yourself to the boat.

4. “Clip in” before going to any exposed area (outside the cockpit). No exceptions.

5. Know how to use your three point tether to always be attached to the boat

6. Maintain one hand for the boat at all times. Use a secure grip, not a touchpoint.

7. Use common sense to avoid vulnerable positions, E.G. do not stand near the wheel (you may grab if you get knocked off balance), do not standing in areas with limited handholds, high centre of gravity, limited rails, etc, etc

8. Never rely solely on your harness. It’s a last resort. If you go overboard while clipped in, you’ll be dragged along the side, extremely hazardous, unless spotted immediately.

9. At night, there must be two people on watch, one capable of hand-steering in case of autopilot failure or if there is a MoB.

10. If you have permission to go forward, you MUST inform the helmsman and ensure they acknowledge your need, and spot you.

11. Don’t urinate off the back of the boat (a common cause of MOB incidents).

12. Inform the skipper and other crew of any limitations you may have, balance, agility, injury, sea sickness, medications, fears, etc, etc. That may impair your ability to take on certain duties.

13. Do not under any circumstances take on a duty you do not feel comfortable doing. E.G. I encourage you to say, "I do not feel comfortable going forward in these conditions". ETC, if that is how you feel. In this regard, be very conservative.

14. Stay humble; even the strongest, most experienced, go overboard.

15. Know the MoB procedure

16. Know the prepare to abandon ship procedure

How Are We Doing?

I’ve been explaining, reminding, and enforcing these rules from day one—even in calm seas when risks seemed lower. Initially, there was a lot of “calling out” required in some quarters, but habits have improved.

Yesterday, David noticed I hadn’t secured my crotch strap when putting on mifejacket and called me out on it. I was glad to see our culture of accountability taking root.