A South African Air Force 22 Squadron Oryx was activated for a Air Sea Rescue mission locating the yacht, panacea that has been missing at sea. The yacht has been overdue to reach his destination. The Squadron received initial coordinates from a passing tanker ship where the yacht was last seen.

The tanker, has tried to confirm the presence of life onboard the yacht, but due to heavy sea condtitions and vessel size it could not be established with certainty.

The crew with the the help from the NSRI then flew a SAR pattern and managed to locate the yacht approximately 28 nautical miles South South West of Stilbaai on the South Coast.

An NSRI Airborne rescue swimmer was deployed from the helicopter into the sea, he swam to and boarded the yacht where he found the sailor deceased below decks.

With limited fuel remaining the rescue swimmer placed a signalling beacon on the yacht before being recovered into the helicopter. The yacht with the deceased sailor had been recovered and towed back to shore by the NSRI rescue vessel.

Special thanks to the ground crew that works behind the scenes for always ensuring safe serviceable helicopters.

The effort by all involved, for their tireless contributions that helped to bring closure in this tragedy, is commended.

Credit to NSRI, MRCC and SAAF.

Photos were taken by Frank Boekkooi