While the Golden Globe Race (GGR) Crisis Management Team ( CMT) kept Ian Herbert Jones informed of the developments in his rescue throughout the night, they were not receiving responses or updates.
He was, however, manually activating the "acknowledgement" button on his YB3 device, meaning he was conscious and informed of the latest developments, even if physically diminished.
Ian experienced a tough night, could not cut the mast free because of storm conditions and is taking painkillers for his injured back. Water ingress into the hull stopped.
Ian reports at first light that his back injury is mobile, and he can work. Can climb ladders for evacuation, the weather moderated to 4/5mtr sea and 25/30 knot wind,
The mast is still over the side but not banging too much off the hull, and he is now trying to cut it free.
He has plenty of power for VHF, sat phone and YB3, and AIS is on and transmitting. He will test the engine later today to check if it is operational for manoeuvring.
Fisheries Patrol boat Lilibet Photo: via Marine Traffic
At 0647 UTC, GGR had confirmation from SAR Puerto Belgrano that a Taiwanese fishing vessel, the ZI DA WANG, 90 miles away from his position, had been diverted to his work with an ETA at 1900 UTC the same day, earlier than the Fisheries Patrol boat Lilibet, 300 miles to his South that would arrive the next day.
Taiwanese fishing vessel, the ZI DA WANG
At 0842 UTC, Ian sent a message through his YB3 positioning and texting device: ALL RECD THKU! OK, HERE TOUGH NIGHT TRYING2STAYWARM, shortly followed by another message at 0852: GRTNEWS REF FISHIMGBOAT WAITING4 FIRSTLIGHT 2CLEAR RIG.
From this moment on, the GGR team knew that he was able, active in his own rescue and aware of the effort taking place coordinated by the SAR Puerto Belgrano in Argentina, the MRCC Taiwan, as well as etas for the ship's arrival on his position.
The Taiwanese flagged FADACAI
At 0845 UTC, GGR contacted the SAR Puerto Belgrano in charge of the rescue coordination to share the news about Ian. The Officer in Charge informed that a second fishing vessel, the Taiwanese flagged FADACAI, had been contacted and changed course towards Puffin with a 1700 UTC ETA. They told the GGR that the British Ship Lilibet had been released from rescue operations due to adverse weather conditions and late ETA. The Lilibet at the time was still en route towards Puffin but later stood down and is no longer involved in the rescue.
At 1010 UTC, Ian called the GGR from his satellite phone, confirming he had received messages and had rested. He took Ibuprofen last night from his medical kit, and his back is mobile. Ian confirmed he could work on deck and climb a ladder if needed. You can listen to his call below.
The weather moderated significantly at PUFFIN, to 4/5mtr sea and 25/30kt wind. Puffin's mast is still over the side but not banging too much on the hull. The boom is secured onboard, and the boat has no more water ingress from his broken cabin hatch. He has power for communication, including VHF, sat phone and YB3; AIS is on and transmitting. He will test the motor later today to check if it is operational for rescue.
Ian Herbert Jones's Tradewind 35, "PUFFIN", with some of the onboard safety gear. Photo: Ian Herbert Jones / GGR2022
"We're all hands on deck, obviously thinking of Ian and grateful for the international efforts to assist him. Fortunately, the situation has improved dramatically for several reasons: first, Ian is able and active in his rescue; secondly, the weather conditions at PUFFIN have improved a lot, facilitating the possibility of a transfer operation, which will still be challenging and the final decision is with the master of the fishing vessels." Don McIntyre, GGR Founder and Chairman
Ian Herbert Jones's Tradewind 35 “PUFFIN” pictured at Les Sables d’Olonne GGR 2022
The GGR wish to thank the CROSS Griz-Nez, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency and, in particular, the SAR Puerto Belgrano in Argentina, who has worked tirelessly to contact vessels in Puffin's vicinity, as well as the MRCC Taiwan for their coordination and cooperation in Ian's rescue, as well as the Masters and crews of the Lilibet, the M/V Da Zi Wang and the Fa Da Cai and Yuh Shenh N°1 for perpetuating the tradition of the sea in very adverse conditions.
