Kaerou - Dismasted 1,000 km out, the yacht Kaerou is resupplied at sea and reaches Réunion
After losing her mast mid-ocean between Australia and South Africa, the yacht Kaerou was met by a passing bulk carrier that transferred fuel and food, then motored on to make Réunion with the rescue service's help.
What happened.
On 4 January 2019, the yacht Kaerou was dismasted about 1,000 km from Réunion on passage between Australia and South Africa. The skipper alerted CROSS; a passing Cypriot bulk carrier, SAITA1, diverted and transferred about 300 litres of diesel and provisions some 343 nautical miles south of Réunion. The yacht motored on, and with SNSM help reached Réunion on 10 January — crew and boat both saved.
On 4 January 2019, the sailing yacht Kaerou lost her mast in the south-west Indian Ocean, roughly 1,000 km from Réunion, while on a long passage between Australia and South Africa. Rather than abandon, the skipper alerted the regional maritime rescue coordination centre (CROSS) and set about getting the boat home under engine. The limiting factor was fuel. A 230-metre Cypriot-flagged bulk carrier, the SAITA1, diverted to help and rendezvoused with the yacht on 6 January at about half past six in the morning, some 343 nautical miles south of Réunion, transferring around 300 litres of diesel and some provisions across to her. Resupplied, the Kaerou carried on under power toward the island, and with CROSS coordinating, the national sea-rescue society (SNSM) took her in hand off Étang-Salé to help her in. She reached Réunion at about six in the morning on Thursday 10 January. It was a patient, well-managed self-rescue in which both the crew and the boat came through — a contrast to the dismastings that end in abandonment.
What it teaches.
- 1A dismasting need not mean abandoning the boat. The Kaerou's skipper alerted the rescue centre, kept the boat, and motored to safety. If the hull is sound and the engine runs, clearing the rig and making for port under power is often the better outcome than taking to a raft — assess calmly before you give up the boat.
- 2Once you're motoring, fuel is the new constraint — and a passing ship can resupply you. Here a bulk carrier transferred 300 litres of diesel, which got the yacht home. Carry honest fuel reserves and jerry cans for emergencies, know your true motoring range, and remember that a ship can bring you fuel and food, not only take you off.
- 3Call the rescue centre early and let them coordinate. The skipper alerted CROSS at once, which arranged the ship rendezvous and the SNSM handover into port. Getting the professionals involved early — even when you intend to save the boat yourself — gives you options, resources and a plan you don't have to improvise alone.
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