Engine failure at sea.
Documented engine failure incidents from the Logbook — 3 records, each with sources, lessons, and the SeaWise procedures that address it.
← Search & filter the full LogbookAn engine that quits is rarely the whole emergency — it is what the failure leaves you unable to do: hold off a lee shore, punch through a foul tide, make a harbour before dark. The incidents here show the value of keeping sailing options open, diagnosing calmly, and calling for a tow while there is still sea-room rather than after the boat is committed.
On 26 May 2026, the sailing yacht Maserra, with three Canadians aboard, suffered mechanical failures and lost the ability to navigate about 32 nautical miles off San José del Cabo, in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The Mexican Navy located the boat, found the three crew in good health, and towed the disabled yacht to a safe port.
On the morning of 27 June 2026, the Penghu-registered yacht 'Daily Ocean' took on water in rough seas about two nautical miles off Dongji Islet, then lost power and capsized on a diving outing. All four aboard, including a captain surnamed Lee, went into the water and were pulled out by the nearby fishing vessel 'San Chuan Fa' before the coast guard arrived.
On 26 May 2026, 489 miles off Oregon, the 29-foot Alice was dismasted and left with a dead engine in a gale while her 74-year-old skipper sailed alone from Hawaii to British Columbia. He hurt his shoulder but stayed in contact by handheld satellite messenger. The Coast Guard flew overwatch and the cruise ship Silver Whisper diverted 120 miles to lift him off.