Background information
The Multi50 Arkema capsized on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 8:30 am French time about 1000 miles from Guadeloupe. A day later, the tug Lady Debbie left Martinique with Quentin Vlamynck - captain boat - on board. His skipper, Lalou Roucayrol, was picked up by Pierre Antoine (Olmix), leader of the Rhum Multi class, who diverted to assist him - two days later - and after three attempts. Finally, on 18 November, the navigator was transhipped aboard the tugboat to head for the capsized trimaran.
Rescue opérationnel?!
The tug Lady Debbie arrived at the capsizing zone on Wednesday, November 21, while the Multi50 had been drifting for 8 days more than 1000 nautical miles from Guadeloupe. And when we arrived, what a surprise for Quentin and Lalou who discovered Arkema... at the place... This is a new outcome as the boat has returned to its original position seul?!
However, facts had worried the Arkema Lalou Multi Team team since 5 hours after Lalou landed on the Olmix boat, the positioning beacon suddenly stopped transmitting, while the emergency beacon (EPIRB) was triggered.
A new situation
Fabienne Roucayrol, Team Manager, gives some possible explanations for this totally new and unexpected situation : " In the possible cause of the capsizing, Lalou explained that there was water in the starboard float of his boat. We do not yet explain how this water entered the float, but it must have continued to fill it when the boat had capsized. This certainly slowly "sank" the float, and with the help of the wind and a wave, the boat had to turn around and get back upright. Lalou and Quentin can't believe their eyes! We warmly thank the Lady Debbie and SOMARA, the Martinique Towing and Assistance Society."
This is very good news since turning operations are not without risks..
"With a semi-rigid, Lalou and Quentin will pass on board, and empty as much water as possible from the boat with a pump, in order to avoid it being too heavy in tow. They'll put everything back in safety, put the slings down and make a quick trip to Pointe-à-Pitre." concludes Fabienne Roucayrol.
At an average of 4 knots, the estimated towing time is 9 - 12 days, with an expected arrival between November 30 and December 4.
