NSRI Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and NSRI rescue stations across the West Coast are keeping a lookout for the sailing vessel AKELA II, in cooperation with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC).
A solo sailor, Emmanuel Dailler, a Frenchman aged 56, aboard the AKELA II departed Hout Bay Yacht Club on 2 March 2023 for Martinique, in the Caribbean. The mono-hull white sailing yacht and solo sailor are now believed to be overdue, reports NSRI.
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NSRI, in cooperation with MRCC, are appealing to seafarers on the Atlantic Ocean, islands across the Atlantic Ocean, West African coastal ports and Caribbean ports to keep a lookout and report any sightings or contact with the vessel.
AKELA II is equipped with only marine VHF radio communications onboard. The yacht is plain white, with no yacht name appearing on the hull.
The NSRI notes that an AKELA II that is currently in the Caribbean is not related to the missing AKELA II with solo sailor, Emmanuel Dailler.
At this stage, the last known contact with Dailler was on his departure from the Hout Bay Yacht Club on 2 March.
Anyone with information, any sightings or contact with the vessel is urged to contact the South African MRCC on +27 938 3300 or [email protected], and NSRI EOC on 082 994 7555 or [email protected].
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Picture: Steve McCurrach