Guy deBoer airlifted from SPIRIT in long range Brazilian MRCC Navy rescue

McIntyre Golden Globe Race sailor Guy deBoer has been recovered from his yacht SPIRIT in a Brazilian Navy rescue in the South Atlantic, approximately 870 miles east of Rio de Janeiro. His recovery follows an urgent evacuation request on 7 November after his condition deteriorated following an accident aboard.

The Brazilian Navy corvette Barroso (V34) made best speed towards SPIRIT overnight. Approximately 100 metres long and displacing around 2,300 tonnes, the ship is capable of 29 knots and carries a Westland Super Lynx helicopter.

Throughout the night, GGR Control remained in constant contact with the Navy doctor and MRCC Brazil, while also maintaining direct contact with the Barroso to support the rescue operation.

GGR had been unable to establish contact with Guy overnight. As the wind shifted, SPIRIT appeared to be following the changing wind under windvane self-steering, turning north before heading east at around 0400 UTC. She had been sailing at 5.7 knots, away from Rio de Janeiro. The track raised concern that Guy might be asleep or unable to manage the yacht, although his condition could not be confirmed.

At 0700 UTC, Guy called GGR control. He sounded very groggy and at times incoherent, but said he was okay, confirmed he had received satellite telephone messages and understood that a helicopter was coming. He subsequently lowered all sails and allowed SPIRIT to drift in preparation for its arrival. The wind was approximately 20–25 knots, and the sea state was 1.5–2 meters.

SPIRIT’s eastward course had increased her separation from Barroso, requiring the corvette to continue steaming east and delaying an earlier helicopter arrival estimate of 0600 UTC. The helicopter launched at approximately 1010 UTC with its flight crew and 2 Navy divers. The outbound flight took approximately 50 minutes, and at 1138UT the news came through that GUY was onboard the helicopter!! Meanwhile the crew of the Barroso was steaming toward SPIRIT to close the distance.

The rescue plan called for the 2 divers to be lowered into the water to board SPIRIT, assisting Guy’s evacuation by winching to the helicopter before returning to Barroso. Messages asked Guy to prepare for evacuation and lower his boarding ladder to help the divers aboard. The GGR YB satellite tracking was set at 15-minute intervals, and GUY had deployed his EPIRB. Although he had been asked to leave his satellite telephone switched on, incoming calls had not connected.

Medical personnel are aboard Barroso, and organisers are awaiting an initial report on his condition. The ship’s onward destination has yet to be confirmed; Rio de Janeiro had been considered a likely destination.

Guy first reported the accident on 3 November, describing a fall inside SPIRIT’s cabin on 2 November where he struck his head, lost consciousness, and sustained other injuries. He was directed to MSOS medical assistance, and Dr Spike Briggs advised against continuing the race, recommending that he seek medical attention ashore. After reporting some improvement the following day, further balance problems prompted a decision to head towards Rio de Janeiro.

Shortly after 1600 UTC on 7 November, Guy requested immediate evacuation, reporting that he could no longer use his left arm, stand or maintain his balance, and was unable to eat. GGR immediately relayed the request to Brazil’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC Brazil), supplying his position, safety documentation and medical information to support the response.

“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 GGR 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.”