Another Vendee Globe victim- Elies breaks femur

by Vendee Globe media/Kate Jennings on 19 Dec 2008
In the Vendee Globe, this Thursday morning while manoeuvring at the front of his boat, Yann Elies, skipper of Generali, fractured his thigh-bone. While waiting to be evacuated from the boat, Marc Guillemot, skipper of Safran, has changed course at the request of the race direction to reach Yann Elies for psychological support. Safran was only one hundred miles away from Generali.

As Yann Eliès has to be evacuated the rescue process is under way, in close cooperation with the Vendee Globe race safety adviser based in Australia David Adams.Contact was made immediately with the MRCC, the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre, in Canberra who are responsible for Australian waters. hey have detailed an Adelaide class Frigate which will leave Perth at 1950hrs GMT. It is anticipated that it will take around 48 hours to reach Generali.

As requested by the Vendée Globe race directors Marc Guillemot, French skipper of Safran, and British skipper Sam Davies have been asked to change their courses and head to the location of Yann Eliès.

At the time of the incident, 0900hrs GMT, Guillemot was less than 100 miles to the south of Eliès while Davies was approximately 525 miles to the east.

Vincent Riou and Armel Le Cléac’h also volunteered to try to help, but because of the imminent weather forecast it was decided it is better they continue their course.

Vendée Globe Race Doctor Dr Jean Yves Chauve has confirmed he believes that the solo skipper is suffering from a fractured femur. He has advised him to try to immobilise the injured leg as much as possible, to remain as warm as possible, to eat and drink as normally as he can, and to take morphine painkillers.

Philippe de Villiers, President of the SEM Vendée, organisers of the Vendée Globe, is being kept informed of the situation as it develops.

Summary:

This morning at close to 0900hrs GMT, Vendée Globe solo skipper Yann Eliés sustained a broken femur when he was knocked over on the foredeck of Generali. He is 800 miles south of the south coast of Australia, about 1100 miles SW of Adelaide.

Generali is understood to have been stopped suddenly by a big wave. The skipper had to then crawl back along the deck, into his cockpit and make his way below decks to raise the alarm.

http://www.vendeeglobe.org

Extracts from the 1430 UTC press conference

Erwan Steff, Sports director of the monohull Generali: 'With the impact from the pulpit, Yann felt his left leg dislocate. He immediately called us to request assistance. It is impossible for him to move but he is now safely in his bunk, in front of the chart table. The boat is hove to under three reefs and staysail. There is 15 to 20 knots of wind on zone so conditions are manageable. We are in permanent contact with him to monitor his health and boost his spirits.'

Doctor Jean-Yves Chauve, Vendée Globe doctor: 'We’ve just reassessed the situation and the deformation of the knee would seem to indicate a fracture to the lower third of the left femur. It’s not an open fracture. The only risk is one related to bleeding. Yann is in a stable situation in his bunk. He is suffering a great deal as he hasn’t yet managed to take his painkillers, which are in a first-aid kit two metres from him. He has enough morphine to last him for three days. He will also have to immobilise his leg by making a splint so as to prevent the fracture from moving. I was in contact with him several times this morning and it’s difficult for him. However, this afternoon he had got a handle on the situation and was comforted to know that everyone was joining forces to assist him.'
Kate Jennings translation