Urgent appeal for whereabouts of missing sailor Eddie Anker
by Sail-World Cruising on 3 Jul 2013
Spirit of Rema sailing SW
Urgent appeal for whereabouts of missing sailor, Eddie Anker. Sail-World has received this message from concerned friend Elaine Wiltshire:
It has been six months now since Eddie (Edward) Anker left Hout Bay, South Africa, with a plan to sail straight across to Australia as previously detailed in the initial report.
It has been confirmed this week that he has still not landed in Australia, and neither has he made landfall at the islands St Paul/Amsterdam.
All the relevant authorities, previously notified of his 'disappearance' have been contacted again, and the attached photo of the boat has now been circulated.
We - all of Eddies friends and family, from Scotland, England, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand, and wherever else they may be - particularly those at sea themselves, would all appreciate it if anyone in the area would 'keep an eye out' for him. We just want to know that he is safe.
The background:
Kiwi sailor Edward Anker left Hout Bay yacht club, South Africa, on the 26th December 2012 with a plan to sail on a 'straight across' route to Australia, and an intended landfall in Australia of Cape Leeuwin, or thereabouts.
While it is worrying for friends, this is not the first time that Eddie has been reported missing. At the beginning of January 2012 Spirit of Rema was also reported missing between Madeira and Brazil, having not been heard from since October 2011. In April 2012, he was finally located, safe and sound.
His vessel is the 'Spirit of Rema', an H28 ketch, with no engine and probably sporting red sails - unless these have been damaged and the spare set are in use.
Eddie shuns the use of too much technology, but is believed to have some sort of radio communications, even if only when near shore. He does not have any form of GPS.
He has stated to several of his friends that if he were in trouble, he wouldn't call for help, because he doesn't want anyone else risking their lives to save him - and we must respect this.
If anyone has seen the vessel, or has any information as to the whereabouts of Edward please let his friends know on the email address johnwil@wanadoo.es.
Alternatively, if you encounter Eddie along your way, please ask him to contact 'Wally or Cled' at the earliest opportunity.
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