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At around 22:30UT on Friday 18 May, approximately 330nm northeastof Bermuda, the yacht Outer Limits struck a submerged object,believed to be a whale, and sustained damage to the hull causingsignificant water ingress. Whilst the yacht's emergency pumps wereable to contain the leaks, skipper Joost Gehrels, doubted that theboat could safety return to Bermuda and issued a MayDay to requestimmediate assistance. Rally yacht Halo was just 15nm away anddiverted to assist. Using the yacht's satellite telephone Joostalso contacted RCC Bermuda. The Netherland's flagged Hanse 370e, was taking part in the ARCEurope rally and on route from Bermuda to Horta, Azores when theincident occurred. RCC Bermuda contacted vessels in the area and diverted the merchantship E R Melbourne to assist. The E R Melbourne, a 36,000 tonnecontainer ship, reached Outer Limits' position at approximately00:10UT 19 May, and commenced evacuation of the crew. Within anhour, the 4 crew members of Outer Limits were safety aboard themerchant ship and the yacht Halo was then asked to stand down.Outer Limits was abandoned, at approximate position 34 19N 59 04W. The German flagged E R Melbourne has now resumed course forCagliari, Italy. Outer Limits' skipper Joost Gehrels (Netherlands),speaking via satellite phone said that he and all his crew, MartaCappiello (Italian), Diane Ferrero (American) and Andrew Siess(American), are safe and well although understandably shaken. Theyhave been able to contact their friends and family ashore andinform them that they are OK. Rally manager Lyall Burgess, commented on the incident, expressinghis thanks to the Master and crew of the E R Melbourne; to RCCBermuda; and to the double-handed crew of Halo (Mike &Alexandra Bailey) for their professionalism and swift response tothe incident. Start: Stage 2 of ARC Europe 2012 departed from Bermuda onWednesday 16 May. 36 yachts are taking part in the rally, which began in Tortola BVIand will end in Lagos, Portugal. The rally is organised by UK based event managers World CruisingClub. Last Updated ( Saturday, 19 May 2012 ). We are high quality suppliers, our products such as Membrane Panel Production Line Manufacturer , Welding Manipulator for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Metal Forming Machinery.
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