Articles

Wednesday 4th March 2009

SPIRIT OF MYSTERY NEWS UPDATE - 1930 Hours GMT 04/03/09

At about 23.30 hours GMT on Tuesday 3rd March (0930 hours boat time Wednesday 4th March), Spirit of Mystery was sailing in strong winds and high seas about 300 Nautical Miles South South-West of Kangaroo Island off Adelaide, South Australia, when she was struck by a large wave.

The vessel was knocked over and an injury sustained by one of the crew, Mark Maidment, who has broken his right leg between knee and ankle. Mark was taken below and treated by the crew who administered morphine and applied a splint. He is in a stable condition on board and in good spirits.

The crew were able to contact their support team in Melbourne via the satellite telephone who alerted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Communications with the vessel have since been sporadic, but they have intimated that the remainder of the crew are fine and at present the boat is sound and seaworthy and making good progress in improved conditions towards Australia.

AMSA’s dedicated Dornier Search and Rescue aircraft has over flown the vessel and a doctor has been able to establish two-way communications to offer advice.

AMSA is now coordinating communications and assessing the best way to deal with the casualty and the situation.

Further news will be given as and when it becomes available via the team’s website: www.petegoss.com.

ENDS – 1930 GMT 04/03/09