Ital-Bonny Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a dramatic turn of events following the collision between the container ship 'Ital Bonny' and the yacht 'NST Cabinet Z' on May 28, 2023, skipper Thomas Jourdren has passionately shared his account of the incident. Jourdren insists that his yacht was in compliance with race regulations while navigating challenging sea conditions off the coast of Ushant, near the Traffic Separation Scheme, when the unfortunate incident occurred. During the Normandy Channel Race, Jourdren, along with crewmate Cédric de Kervenoaël, encountered difficult weather marked by thick fog and rough seas. Approximately 30 minutes before the collision, Jourdren made three attempts to contact the container ship via VHF radio, but received no initial response. Once they established communication, he informed the freighter of their racing status and their intention to proceed ahead. The cargo ship's crew reportedly acknowledged this but did not alter their course accordingly. As the yacht altered its waypoint for safety, the 'Ital Bonny' continued on its path, dismissing the yacht's speed as deceptive, creating a critical scenario that led to the collision. The massive vessel struck the smaller yacht head-on, essentially slicing it in half. The two sailors were forced to cling to the transom as their yacht rapidly sank at coordinates Latitude 48.3105, Longitude -6.5297. Post-collision, Jourdren immediately issued a mayday call, which was promptly acknowledged by CROSS Corsen, taking charge of the rescue efforts. A comprehensive rescue operation was initiated, including the deployment of a French Navy H160 helicopter. Meanwhile, the yacht 'EMPOWHER', skippered by Pamela Lee and Jay Thompson, was situated just two nautical miles away at the time of the incident. Jay Thompson, who was on watch while Lee rested, overheard the yacht requesting passage ahead of the cargo vessel. The cargo ship's reluctance to cooperate led to increasing concern, culminating in the desperate mayday call that Thompson relayed to Lee. Upon arrival at the scene, Lee and Thompson found the remnants of the yacht in three segments, with the two sailors precariously perched on one of the pieces. Despite their efforts to deploy a life raft, they faced challenges due to debris and the raft's broken line. Nevertheless, they continued to communicate with CROSS Corsen and maintained their focus on the stranded sailors until help arrived. By 2:15 a.m., the helicopter crew successfully hoisted Jourdren and de Kervenoaël from the turbulent waters, characterized by three-meter waves and heavy winds. One sailor emerged largely unscathed, while the other sustained minor injuries and was treated upon landing at Brest naval base, before being transferred to Brest University Hospital for further evaluation. The 'Ital Bonny' later dropped anchor at the roadstead of Saint Nazaire (Latitude 47.1202, Longitude -2.4596) and resumed its voyage on May 29, with an expected arrival in Piraeus on June 5. The damaged wreckage of the 'NST Cabinet Z' was subsequently towed to Lorient by a motor trimaran. For detailed reports and photographs, visit [France Bleu](https://www.francebleu.fr/sports/voile/il-nous-a-accuses-de-malhonnetete-le-skipper-du-voilier-coupe-en-deux-par-un-cargo-au-large-de-brest-raconte-le-choc-1394479).

In a harrowing incident during the Normandy Channel Race on May 28, 2025, at 1:50 a.m., the Class 40 yacht 'NST Cabinet Z', helmed by Thomas Jourdren and Cédric de Kervenoaël, was dramatically struck by the container ship 'Ital Bonny', which was en route from Antwerp to Piraeus. The collision occurred within the Ushant Traffic Separation Scheme, resulting in the unfortunate breaking of the racing yacht into two pieces. Leading up to the collision, the 'NST Cabinet Z' had detected the approaching container ship on AIS approximately 30 minutes before their closest point of approach. After multiple attempts to communicate via radio, the vessels reached an agreement for the yacht to maneuver ahead, with the 'Ital Bonny' expected to adjust its course. Nevertheless, despite the yacht altering its route for safety, the container ship failed to respond. When the 'NST Cabinet Z' urgently attempted to re-establish contact, 'Ital Bonny' dismissed their claims, asserting that a sailboat could not maintain a speed of 17 knots. This miscommunication ultimately led to the catastrophic collision, prompting a Mayday call to be issued. Rescue operations were swiftly initiated by the CROSS Corsen, with support from the crew aboard the nearby Class 40 yacht '#EMPOWHER' (No. 178), skippered by Pamela Lee and Jay Thompson. The two sailors aboard 'NST Cabinet Z' were effectively rescued at 2:15 a.m. by a French Navy helicopter and subsequently transported to a Brest hospital for medical evaluation. Thankfully, while they were shaken, both sailors escaped serious injuries. The '#EMPOWHER', which had deployed its liferaft during the emergency, was unable to recover it and made its way back to Lorient. Following the incident, the 'Ital Bonny' was instructed to redirect towards Saint Nazaire. Authorities have commenced an investigation to thoroughly assess the factors contributing to this collision. In an effort to clear the site as soon as possible, resources were mobilized to tow the remaining pieces of the destroyed yacht to shore. Eyewitness accounts and footage from the dramatic rescue operation have been circulated in various media outlets, providing insight into the urgency of the situation. For more details, check out reports with images and videos here: [Course Au Large](https://www.courseaularge.com/class40-le-recit-de-thomas-jourdren-apres-son-helitreuillage-et-son-class40-heurte-par-un-cargo.html), [Afloat.ie](https://afloat.ie/sail/offshore/pamela-lee/item/67419-pamela-lee-s-empowher-aids-rescue-during-normandy-race), [Le Telegramme](https://www.letelegramme.fr/sports/voile/limpressionnante-video-de-lhelitreuillage-des-deux-marins-du-class-40-coupe-en-deux-par-un-cargo-6827552.php), and [TF1 Info](https://www.tf1info.fr/justice-faits-divers/videos/video-voilier-percute-par-un-cargo-deux-marins-sauves-in-extremis-31644-2373899.html).