Team Malizia has confirmed the death of crew member Lukas Wehage, aged 32, following an incident in Brazil. The German national was onboard the Malizia Explorer research vessel when the accident occurred on 22 April in Fernando de Noronha.
The vessel had arrived from Rio de Janeiro and was anchored at Praia do Porto during a scheduled scientific stopover. Shortly after arrival, several crew members entered the water. Wehage suffered what local health authorities described as an “underwater fainting spell”.
The crew on board responded immediately. Emergency services were alerted, and first aid was administered at the scene. Local rescue teams continued resuscitation efforts and transported him to the hospital. He later died despite those efforts.vThe exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Wehage had joined the Malizia Explorer after meeting the crew in Ushuaia in December 2025. He had been travelling extensively and later joined the team for an Atlantic crossing.
Team Malizia said it is in close contact with his family and is offering full support. The team is also cooperating with local and German authorities. Support is being provided to those on board. In a statement, the team extended “deepest condolences to Lukas’s family, friends, and all who knew him”.
Further information will be released when available.
