RUSHOUR: Successful Rescue at Sea, Crew Safe and Sound

Press Release 6 – Tuesday Morning, June 17

The New Caledonia Groupama Race organizers were informed last night at 1:20 a.m. of the activation of two distress beacons by Rushour, which was leading the race at the time.

Following the alert, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) took charge of operations, while Cercle Nautique Calédonien’s race management activated a crisis unit and worked in close collaboration with the MRCC.

The catamaran Roamance was rerouted to assist Rushour in the hours that followed. The MRCC also deployed the aircraft Le Guardian to carry out a visual reconnaissance and adapt response measures accordingly.

The New Caledonia Groupama Race organizers are relieved to announce that the crew of Rushour has been found safe and sound. The boat had capsized. Further information will follow.

The sailors are currently being cared for. We commend the professionalism of the authorities, the exemplary solidarity of fellow competitors at sea, and the effectiveness of the watch and alert system.

As you will understand, out of respect for the crew and their families, we could not release information that was incorrect, speculative, or approximate. We chose to wait until we had the most verified and accurate details about the crew’s safety before communicating publicly.

The emotion felt is matched only by the relief. We extend our full support to the crews involved, their families, and their loved ones.