The 12th edition of the Route du Rhum is in mourning this Wednesday. The Guadeloupe prosecutor’s office announces that two people died after the capsizing of a follower boat.
A judicial investigation has been opened for manslaughter, said the prosecution, stressing that “the precise assessment (was) pending”.
The boat was chartered by the organization of the race, said prosecutor Patrick Desjardins. According to local media, a dozen people were on board the boat following the winner of the event Charles Caudrelier, who like all competitors must circumvent the island before crossing the finish line at Pointe-à -Pitre, accompanied by a multitude of follower boats.
The accident occurred one nautical mile from the coast
The accident, the circumstances of which have not been specified, would have taken place one nautical mile from the coast, according to a close source.
According to the firefighters, the National Society for Rescue at Sea (SNSM) rescued the victims, who were taken care of by the firefighters once ashore.
At 10:02 this Wednesday morning, Charles Caudrelier won the 12th edition of the Route du rhum, setting a new record for crossing the Atlantic, in 6 days, 9 hours, 47 minutes and 25 seconds.
