In a dramatic turn of events during the 2024 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), the crew of the Karolina Viking, a Swedish-flagged Leopard 45 catamaran, was forced to abandon ship after suffering significant water ingress. The incident unfolded on Monday, December 2, amid what has been an exceptionally challenging 24 hours for the ARC fleet.
Mayday and Immediate Response
At approximately 0300 UTC, Karolina Viking issued a Mayday call, reporting a leak in its starboard engine compartment. The crew identified the source as damage near the rudder stock base, which allowed water to flood other areas of the starboard hull, ultimately impacting the boat’s electrical systems.
In coordination with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Cape Verde, the skipper attempted to steer the vessel toward the Cape Verde islands, roughly 300 nautical miles upwind, using the port motor.
Rescue Operation
By midday, the 1985 Jongert 20DS Cinderella di Sanremo, another ARC participant, rendezvoused with Karolina Viking to assist. The catamaran Akula, also part of the ARC fleet, diverted course to support the operation. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the skipper and crew of Karolina Viking made the difficult decision to abandon the vessel. All five crew members safely transferred to Cinderella di Sanremo, joining its existing five-person crew.
The rescue operation highlighted the camaraderie and readiness of the ARC community to assist in emergencies.
Broader Challenges for the ARC Fleet
This incident was part of a series of challenges faced by the ARC fleet within the same 24-hour period. In a separate event, a man overboard tragedy involving the Volvo 70 Ocean Breeze resulted in the loss of Swedish sailor Dag Eresund. Additionally, another ARC participant, Team JolieF, diverted to Cape Verde to address a non-emergency medical situation involving a crew member.
ARC 2024: Navigating the Atlantic
The 2024 ARC rally, which set sail on November 24 from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, involves 140 yachts and 820 participants undertaking the 2,700-mile transatlantic crossing to Saint Lucia. Despite the rigorous preparation and adherence to safety protocols, these incidents underscore the unpredictability and challenges of ocean sailing.
The safe evacuation of the Karolina Viking crew stands as a testament to the resilience and coordination of the ARC fleet in times of crisis, reminding sailors of the importance of teamwork and preparedness in offshore adventures.
