Far west of Cornwall - A Norwegian sailor lost both masts in an Atlantic superstorm and was rescued by the RAF
Far west of Cornwall in a major early-November storm, a Norwegian-registered yacht lost her rig and sent a distress call; British and French aircraft launched, and the RAF and HM Coastguard lifted the lone sailor to safety.
What happened.
Around 2 November 2023, during a major European storm, a Norwegian-registered sailing yacht with a man aboard lost both masts in the open Atlantic far west of Cornwall and sent a distress call. British and French aircraft launched, and the RAF, with HM Coastguard, lifted the lone sailor to safety early that Friday. He was landed in England and treated for his injuries in what rescuers called one of their hardest missions.
Around 2 November 2023, as a major storm swept across north-west Europe, a Norwegian-registered sailing yacht with a man aboard got into serious difficulty far out in the Atlantic, well over a thousand kilometres west of Cornwall. The yacht lost both of her masts in the conditions, leaving the sailor disabled in heavy seas a very long way from land. He managed to send a distress call, and a major international rescue followed: British and French aircraft were launched, and the RAF worked closely with HM Coastguard and other agencies to reach him. He was lifted to safety early on the Friday morning and landed in England, where he was treated in hospital for his injuries. The crews involved described it as one of the most difficult missions they had been part of — a reminder of how far offshore, and how marginal, a deep-ocean rescue can be.
What it teaches.
- 1Routing around a forecast storm is your first defence offshore. This sailor was dismasted in a major European storm far out in the Atlantic. On an ocean passage, study the systems, delay or divert to stay out of the worst, and treat a big autumn low as something to avoid, not ride out, when you have the option.
- 2Far offshore, a registered distress beacon is what lets anyone reach you. He was found because he could call for help; aircraft then flew to the edge of their range. Carry an EPIRB and a personal PLB, register them, and keep them where you can reach or activate them when the rig comes down.
- 3Deep-ocean rescue is slow and uncertain — plan to keep yourself alive for it. This was called one of the hardest missions the crews had flown. Carry thermal protection, water and survival gear for days, secure a downed rig so it can't hole the hull, and conserve strength while you wait.
Where this comes from.
SeaWise indexes and links to primary sources; it does not host their reports or media. Crew are referred to by role unless documented consent is on file.
Procedures involved.
More like this.
Share your story.
SeaWise records are richer when survivors and crewmates contribute what they remember. Submissions are private by default — your name and contact never appear on the public record.
Submit a story