Search & Rescue operation De Gallant

The Blue Schooner Company has received official notification of the end of search and rescue operations for the two sailors still missing following the sinking of the classic sailing freighter De Gallant on Tuesday 21 May.

“They had been actively searched since Tuesday 21 May by the US Coast Guard, which is in charge of operations in the area, after the other six sailors were located and rescued by helicopter. Despite our insistence that the search continue, the scale of the resources deployed, the excellence of the US Coast Guard and the weather conditions in which the search was conducted force us to expect the worst possible outcome.
This is a huge blow to the company, the maritime community and the sailing community in particular, who are losing sailors and, above all, exceptional people.
In the interests of the families, we cannot provide further information on the missing persons at this time.
Our thoughts and attention go out to their families and loved ones.
They are being supported and monitored by a dedicated psychological support team and we have been assisting them since the beginning of operations.’

Extreme meteorological phenomenon

‘This incident, in which a ship with a proven track record and piloted by experienced professional seafarers was lost, reminds us of the dangers of shipping and the seafaring profession.
The course of the sinking of the sailing freighter in the southern Bahamas is yet to be clarified with the repatriated crew – including the captain – the relevant authorities and meteorological and technical analyses.
The initial information we have indicates an unforeseen, extremely sudden and violent meteorological phenomenon when the ship was sailing in clear conditions. It is believed that this led to the ship capsizing and being lost at a depth of more than 2,000 metres.
The six people rescued by helicopter on Tuesday and taken care of by French diplomatic services were repatriated today. They received special psychological care and were reunited with their families.’

‘Blue Schooner Company would like to thank everyone who supported us, and especially the solidarity of the entire maritime community. Your presence means a lot to us and will be even more valuable in the coming days and weeks.’

Source: Blue Schooner Company communiqué.

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