Solo sailor Guy deBoer has been airlifted to safety from his yacht SPIRIT in a Brazilian Navy rescue operation roughly 870 miles east of Rio de Janeiro, ending a tense overnight ordeal in the McIntyre Golden Globe Race.
The American's evacuation followed an urgent request on 7 November after his condition worsened in the days following an accident aboard, the same incident that had first prompted him to seek urgent rescue after a fall left him unable to walk or use his arm. The Brazilian Navy corvette Barroso (V34), a 100-metre warship capable of 29 knots and carrying a Westland Super Lynx helicopter, made best speed towards SPIRIT through the night.
Race organisers lost contact with Guy overnight, and concern grew when SPIRIT, under windvane self-steering, was seen turning north then east around 0400 UTC, sailing at 5.7 knots away from Rio de Janeiro. Organisers feared he might be asleep or incapacitated, though nothing could be confirmed at the time.
Relief came at 0700 UTC when Guy made contact with GGR Control. He sounded groggy and at times incoherent, but confirmed he was okay and understood a helicopter was on its way. He lowered all sails and let SPIRIT drift in preparation, with wind at 20 to 25 knots and a 1.5 to 2 metre sea running.
SPIRIT's drift to the east had widened the gap to Barroso, pushing back an earlier estimated helicopter arrival of 0600 UTC. The helicopter eventually launched around 1010 UTC carrying its flight crew and two Navy divers. After a 50-minute flight, word came through at 1138 UTC that Guy was safely aboard.
The rescue plan saw the two divers lowered into the water to board SPIRIT and assist Guy's evacuation by winch, while Barroso continued steaming to close the distance. Guy had deployed his EPIRB, though attempts to reach him by satellite phone had failed to connect.
Medical staff aboard Barroso are now assessing Guy's condition, with a full report yet to be released. The ship's onward destination has not been confirmed, though Rio de Janeiro remains the likely port of call.
Guy first reported the incident on 3 November, describing a fall inside SPIRIT's cabin the previous day in which he struck his head, lost consciousness and sustained further injuries. Race medical adviser Dr Spike Briggs had already recommended he abandon the race and seek treatment ashore. After a brief improvement, renewed balance problems prompted him to turn towards Rio de Janeiro, before he requested immediate evacuation on the evening of 7 November, reporting he could no longer use his left arm, stand, keep his balance or eat.
"Everyone in the Golden Globe Race is relieved that Guy has now been recovered. We sincerely thank MRCC Brazil and the men and women of the Brazilian Navy for the professionalism, speed and efficiency of their response," said race founder Don McIntyre.
"Their prompt and successful action by so many has brought great comfort to Guy's family and friends, and followers of the Golden Globe Race who join us in expressing their deep gratitude."
Further details on Guy's condition are expected to be confirmed in the coming days.
