Young sailor Marie Descoubes, 28, has been located and is safe after a period of radio silence during her solo voyage. Her mother confirmed via a Facebook post on Friday afternoon that Descoubes and her companion are expected to arrive in Puerto Rico within two to three hours, reporting that all went well. this news brings immense relief to her family and supporters who had been anxiously awaiting an update since November 6.
Descoubes, a skipper from La Rochelle, France, embarked on her journey from Maine, USA, with an American co-skipper. Their planned stop in Bermuda on November 6 for refueling was the last confirmed contact before the dialog blackout. The American Coast Guard, in coordination with the Bermuda Maritime Operations Center, conducted unsuccessful search efforts late last week.
The final communication received from the sailboat, the SV Liahona, on November 5 at 8:12 p.m. Atlantic time (November 6 at 1:12 a.m. Paris time), indicated a need for fuel. Reports from local media suggest that a breakdown in the boat’s power supply may have rendered it’s GPS inoperable, explaining the eight-day silence and the inability to communicate or be located. This situation, while concerning, highlights the inherent risks and technical challenges faced by long-distance sailors.
This voyage is part of Descoubes’ ambitious three-year circumnavigation, which began in September 2023. Her personal mission is to champion a self-sufficient lifestyle, building on her work with the Elément-terre Sail association. Founded and led by Descoubes since 2023, the association uses sailing as a platform to promote sustainable living and environmental awareness across the Atlantic.
Descoubes’ primary vessel, named Zia, is currently undergoing repairs in Guatemala. To fund her global project, she had taken on the task of ferrying the SV Liahona. While the media attention surrounding her temporary disappearance has been notable, Descoubes herself has not yet issued a personal statement. Her safe arrival in Puerto Rico marks a successful conclusion to a challenging leg of her inspiring world tour.
