Call out for overdue sailor in the Indian Ocean
by Sail-World Cruising on 13 May 2013
Have you seen a boat like this? An H28 similar to Spirit of Rema, missing in the Indian Ocean SW
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. Enquiries made with the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) in Australia, on 30th April of this year, confirmed that, at that date, he had not arrived.
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.
However, friends in England, Spain, New Zealand and Scotland have all failed to hear from him. They all share the same concerns for his whereabouts and well being, and extensive enquiries are being made by them.
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.
There is a possibility that he has made a stop at Ile Amsterdam or St Paul, but enquiries made with the responsible authorities have produced no response as yet.
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.
They want this, they told Sail-World Cruising, 'if only to let us know that he is safe. We know that he will be annoyed at what he will call 'us making a fuss', but as his friends we are worried about his welfare.'
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