Position: 34 47.95'S 020 03.56'E
UTC: 17:00
Struisbaai Harbour
Atlantis went through hell !!
When we were close to Cape Aghulas the weather forecast predicted winds up to 40kts on our route to Simons Town.....a no go for the skipper, as this is one of the most dangerous places in the world.
Atlantis changed her course into what should have been a safe anchorage in Struisbaai, waiting for the wind to calm down. Unfortunately the whole weather system came a lot closer to the bay than predicted and suddenly we were hanging on the anchor with high winds and huge waves.
At 10:30 (UTC) we came into trouble as the whole anchor construction came loose and was hanging on a rope in the water after a huge wave lifted the boat. In an incredible effort we managed to get the chain back on board and attached it to a cleat. We thought to be safe for now....but it wasn't safe at all.
At 11:00 (UTC) we realised that there was no anchor attached to the chain as the boat started drifting and taking waves from the side. I tried to start the engines to escape from the swell. Time for a Mayday!!! Atlantis was out of control; one of the engines refused to start and there was no steering due to a damaged port side rudder. The helm was blocked and the autopilot went crazy by using all possible alarms in the system....thank you Raymarine, but too much noise for me, so I just switched the electronics off.
Cape Town radio dispatched the Mayday to NSRI (Rescue 30) from Struisbaai who were as from than in constant contact with Atlantis via the VHF radio on working channel 10.
At 11:30 Atlantis beached with big waves pushing her from the side. I updated my position to the rescue team and told them we were on the beach.
It was a relief to see their cars driving along the coastline towards Atlantis. The whole team helped to turn her back into the sea....with success, but only after a lot of effort. It was so dark that I was unable to see the waves slamming the boat and giving me constant showers. Not a kind of shower that I wanted! ....but a sailor is never satisfied they say.
Rescue 30 asked me to follow a 120degr. M course to safe water; almost impossible with one engine and no steering, but I did my best. They kept calm and managed to get a diver on board (Richard) to help attach the towing line while I was steering....not an easy task in those extremely difficult conditions. Keeping a steady course was my biggest concern at that point in time to avoid any collision with the rescue boat. Rescue 30 managed to get the job done !! I must say that those men are just fabulous, all volunteers and fully committed to help people in danger. The whole rescue took almost 4 hours. My head off for the courage of the rescue people to put their own life's in danger to safe others. Trust me...the conditions were dangerous at the time of rescue.
They towed Atlantis to a safe swing mooring until Neptune decided that we could get in to Struisbaai harbour, which was done by the same team the next day late in the afternoon. A spectacle for the local's, as it is not a normal mooring place for yachts.
Atlantis is hurt and resting next to the fishermen, patiently waiting for some new parts. As soon as she is fit again, the travel continues.... maybe in a week's time.
I would like to thank all the NSRI people of Struisbaai that rescued Atlantis.... They will always have a special place in my heart and Atlantis will never forget them.
Destiny decided that Atlantis had to stop in Struisbaai to discover the beauty of the region and the wonderful people living here. More to follow.....
Marc