Working Conditions Aboard the Ht-Hua-Shan

On October 23, Golden Globe Race participant Loïc Lepage was safely taken onboard the bulk carrier 'Shiosai' after experiencing a critical situation with his Nicholson 32 MK X. Approximately 600 miles southwest of Perth, Lepage's yacht suffered dismasting and began to take on water, prompting a swift rescue operation. The bulk carrier, which was on its way from Gladstone, responded promptly to divert and assist. Fortunately, Lepage did not sustain any injuries during the ordeal and was transferred to 'Shiosai' using the vessel’s SOLAS man overboard recovery craft around noon AEDT. In a proactive move before abandoning his yacht, Lepage cut away all rigging, although it remains uncertain if he scuttled 'Laaland' before his departure. The rescue mission was adeptly coordinated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), deploying both a Challenger jet and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft to oversee the operation. Additionally, fellow solo sailor Francis Tolan, participating in the French event 'La Longue Route,' which honors Bernard Moitessier’s renowned decision to withdraw from the 1968-69 Golden Globe Race, was on standby. Tolan had navigated his Beneteau Ocean 43 'Alizes II' an impressive 300 miles to lend his support during the crisis. A spokesperson from the Golden Globe Race expressed heartfelt gratitude towards all those who played a crucial role in the rescue efforts. For visual documentation and further updates, check the following links: [Yachting Monthly Report](https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/boat-events/golden-globe-race/loic-lepage-waits-for-rescue-dismasted-southern-ocean-australia-67769#W2qbgdDVKk0CVeAB.99), [AMSA News Release](https://www.amsa.gov.au/news-community/news-and-media-releases/rescue-french-solo-yachtsman-indian-ocean), [Laaland Rescue Video and Images](https://100255-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mediambx_amsa_gov_au/Documents/Forms/All.aspx?slrid=ad269b9e%2D00d0%2D7000%2D27e8%2D4efd019f5adc&RootFolder=%2Fpersonal%2Fmediambx%5Famsa%5Fgov%5Fau%2FDocuments%2FLaaland%20yacht%20rescue%20Oct%2021%202018%2FFOR%20RELEASE%20Laaland%20video%20and%20images&FolderCTID=0x012000383C97204D2C2645828C7C9A07D50CEA).

On October 20, 2018, French sailor Loïc Lepage found himself in a perilous situation during the Golden Globe Race when the EPIRB on his Nicholson 32, "Laaland," was activated. Located approximately 600 miles southwest of Perth, Lepage's yacht was subjected to harsh conditions, with winds reaching 25 knots and swells hitting three meters, leading to the catastrophic failure of his mast. The 62-year-old single-handed sailor expressed concerns that loose rigging could pierce the hull of his vessel, which was already experiencing alarming water ingress rates of 30 liters per hour. The situation further deteriorated as wind speeds escalated to 40 knots. In response, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) promptly issued a mayday relay and dispatched a Challenger aircraft to the scene. Additionally, Francis Tolan, the captain of the Beneteau Oceanis 43 "Alizes II," who was navigating the Longue Route approximately 300 miles northwest of Lepage, altered his course to assist in the rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the bulk carrier "Shiosai" was among the first to divert its path to aid the stricken sailor, demonstrating the maritime community's solidarity in times of crisis.