Urgent help needed to recover abandoned yacht NW Barbados

[RPZ]

Mention was made of superyacht traffic being predominant in the region.

Most superyacht owners are indepently wealthy people, charter and cruise companies who would have no interest in claiming salvage. They are likely crisscrossing the area, and probably have the best chance of spotting your boat.

I doubt that many wealthy private owners spend their time on social networks and web forums but it might be worth contacting the company owners and asking them to look out for your boat.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Bleemus

Drift analysis is useless. This boat had half a mainsail up. It could be anywhere within 1000 miles.

True enough.. however that main is going to keep the boat weather cocked near beam on to the wind as she drifts.. for as long as the boom and mast hold up if she's riding biggish sea's and slamming back and forth..
She was abandoned further N than I guessed tho' so maybe she'll get up as far as Guadalupe.. this is factoring in that the winds have been primarily ENE for the last few days helping counter any WNW'ly current drift.. swell/wave action will also affect drift direction.. average daily speed around 45nm/day x 11 puts her within 50nm of a shore is my guess.
No science involved here just working from personal experience of being hove to or laying a-hull for long periods in the N Atlantic further N in the E bound Stream..
Apologise for my 'Blabbing'.. but we all are rooting for you and a successful recovery.. despite you not liking what some of us have to say..

[allwentwrong]

Originally Posted by Bleemus

Drift analysis is useless. This boat had half a mainsail up. It could be anywhere within 1000 miles.

The main was up but the main sheet had snapped, so beam on to the wind and swell with the main just flapping in the wind. So hopefully it won't affect the drift

[allwentwrong]

I appreciate all positive comments
Could just do without all the negative should've could've would've comments from people.
I feel **** enough as it is.
Looking back there's a lot of things I would've done different, but can't dwell on those now.
Just got to look ahead and keep positive.
So thank you to everyone who has been in touch with me via pm

[Juho]

I updated my Marinetraffic app (iOS), and it now shows also satellite AIS boats, but without boat details. Also the Marinetraffic web page shows those boats. No direct help from this, but maybe this is of interest.

[Juho]

Originally Posted by Juho

I updated my Marinetraffic app (iOS), and it now shows also satellite AIS boats, but without boat details. Also the Marinetraffic web page shows those boats. No direct help from this, but maybe this is of interest.

If vessels coming to the search area can be identified, with some luck they can be contacted directly and requested to keep lookout.

[Palarran]

Originally Posted by allwentwrong

I appreciate all positive comments
Could just do without all the negative should've could've would've comments from people.
I feel **** enough as it is.
Looking back there's a lot of things I would've done different, but can't dwell on those now.
Just got to look ahead and keep positive.
So thank you to everyone who has been in touch with me via pm

It's good to hear that your trying to keep positive and I hope a miracle happens and you recover your boat.

In regards to peoples comments, that's the nature of this beast of a forum. I know you joined to get some help not knowing this but by now you should. Most are here to help where they can and learn from others. Your specific thread can and will provide a lot of information for others to learn from - both good and bad. There's no controlling it as this is a free forum and from reading similar threads in the past, yours is very, very, mild on the criticisms.

Good luck.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by Palarran

It's good to hear that your trying to keep positive and I hope a miracle happens and you recover your boat.

In regards to peoples comments, that's the nature of this beast of a forum. I know you joined to get some help not knowing this but by now you should. Most are here to help where they can and learn from others. Your specific thread can and will provide a lot of information for others to learn from - both good and bad. There's no controlling it as this is a free forum and from reading similar threads in the past, yours is very, very, mild on the criticisms.

Good luck.

Excellent post which captures most peoples sentiments I'm sure.

[weavis]

To be fair, nearly all of the criticisms excepting one or two, have been constructive. A mild vent here and there but underneath, despite reservations about the viability of a recovery, the reward for best suggestion goes to Markj and boatman61.

MarkJ for his experience and rationale for utilising the Islanders, and Boatie for his experience in the waters and thinking regarding the possible position of the vessel.

There will be rejoicing in the hen house if this pays off.....

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by allwentwrong

I appreciate all positive comments
Could just do without all the negative should've could've would've comments from people.
I feel **** enough as it is.
Looking back there's a lot of things I would've done different, but can't dwell on those now.
Just got to look ahead and keep positive.
So thank you to everyone who has been in touch with me via pm

Stay positive.. I have a good feeling that she will be found... Its a damn busy area and someone is bound to spot her. Its getting much busier every day as the season really begins to kick in.

I made my way back around the bottom of Antigua today. I watched the AIS and visually.. Unfortunately nothing.

[FlyingScot]

AWW I'm rooting for you too.

I'm reading this daily not just for your recovery updates, but these type of situations are valuable learning tools.

The more information on how to leave a boat the better, despite that it's not a direct help to finding your boat. It may help others in the future.

Of course the info about searching, drifting, etc. are all great as well.

I'm in no position to help other than provide positive thoughts to the matter at hand.

Stay positive. One day it will be a hell of a story to tell.

You mention things you wish you would have done differently. When you feel it's appropriate, please list them out for the rest of us to learn from and discuss.

[Chris WR]

Have followed your troubles and just had a thought about getting the word to the superyachts.

From my time as captain I remember the young crew were often on social media and The Crew Report has a facebook page, regularly updated which I know a lot of the young (and more senior) crew look at regularly.

May be worth contacting them (via their page) and asking if they could post your story and a brief request for help.

Just thought, hope it helps.

Thinking of you..

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by RPZ

If a call or request for assistance is rendered that is one thing. Simply boarding and claiming salvage on a disabled vessel that is occupied is another.

Has that actually ever happened?

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

Has that actually ever happened?

Sadly, yes, even worse, imho. A couple and their boat were grounded off Ocean Beach in San Francisco many, many years ago now, probably about 40 yrs. The people on the beach ganged up on them and started stripping everything off the boat, for themselves. How terribly traumatic the whole even must have been. All those strangers claiming salvage, when the boat was not abandoned, and the owners begging them to stop.

Ann

[RPZ]

Ah, California. Wouldn't happen in Texas - or the open sea on my boat.