Race to save British yachtswoman whose vessel overturned near Cape Horn during round-the-world event after messaging: ‘Taking a hammering! Wondering what on Earth I’m doing out here’
- Susie Goodall, 29, who had been competing in the DHL Golden Globe race
- She had been attempting to sail around the world single-handed at the time
- Her boat capsized and she was ‘knocked out for a while’ while below deck
- Goodall was said to have been caught up in strong storms near Cape Horn
- She will now be rescued by a Chilean boat 450 miles, or two days, away
Rescue crews are scrambling to save a British yachtswoman whose boat overturned this morning during a storm off Cape Horn.
Susie Goodall, 29, who had been competing in the DHL Golden Globe round the world race, activated her emergency tracker at around 11am UST this morning after her yacht rolled over while she was below deck.
According to the event’s organisers, the veteran sailor who was competing singlehanded, had earlier sent a message saying: ‘Taking a hammering! Wondering what on Earth I’m doing out here!’
Susie Goodall, 29, (pictured) was caught in a massive storm off Cape Horn and had been battling with the elements for 24 hours
Susie was said to have been launched across the vessel while below deck and ‘knocked out for a while’
A spokesperson for the race said they had been in contact with Susie who said she received a concussion, cuts on her hands, and bruises in the incident – but is otherwise okay.
Susie also said she had been ‘knocked out for a while’ as she was thrown around inside the lurching vessel.
She is now awaiting rescue from a Chilean rescue ship which is reportedly 400 miles southwest of her position and may take ‘around two days’ to get to her.
An update on the DHL Golden Globe website said: ‘[She is] now talking to MSOS UK the GGR 24hr telemedicine doctor for advice and check up.
‘Weather is moderating a little. Boat huge mess down below. Not in danger for now.’
Susie is currently sailing a Rustler 36 class yacht (pictured) in the DHL Golden Globe round the world race
Susie waving goodbye to her supporters at the beginning of the race. She had been lying in fourth place when her boat overturned
Susie and another competitor were said to have been at the center of a ‘large low pressure storm’
Another post on the website at 10.48am this morning read: ‘Susie is taking the worst of it being close to the center with wind direction and strength going all over the place, causing real challenges for her.’
She was travelling through gusts of up to 65 knots (74mph) and being thrashed about in 9 meter high waves.
GRC said her boat flipped over lengthways due to the strength of the storm as she had gone below deck because one of her masts broke.
After activating her emergency signal this morning, Susie got back in contact with the Chilean coastguard saying she was ‘totally and utterly gutted’.
A Chilean rescue boat is now on its way to save her but it is said to be 450 miles away and may take two days to reach her
She is relying on doctors advice and is being monitored by the medical teams back in the UK
‘Interior total wreck, liferaft ok, nasty head bang as boat pitchpoled. Unbelievably roly now. Totally and utterly gutted.’
She later told GRC HQ: ‘We were pitchpoled and I was thrown across the cabin and knocked out for a while.’
Susie, who was in fourth place, had been battling the storm for more than 24 hours, having to deal with sudden changes in sea state and 90 degree wind shift.
Race Chairman Don McIntyre said: ‘We are monitoring the situation carefully, speaking to Susie every hour and working with the Chilean Search and rescue authorities on the best course of action to take. We have also informed her family and are keeping them informed.’
Susie is the fifth Golden Globe Race entrant this year to have abandoned the race due to their boat being dismasted.
Her boat was in the middle of the Pacific ocean when the incident occurred this morning
Susie becomes the fifth Golden Globe Race entrant in this years edition to have abandoned the race due to their boat being dismasted