Malizia Crew Member Dies: Boris Herrmann’s Sailing Team Mourns Tragic Loss
Team Malizia has confirmed the death of 32-year-old Lukas Wehage, a crew member aboard the research vessel “Malizia Explorer,” following a fatal accident off the coast of Brazil. The German sailor suffered a sudden fainting episode while underwater near Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago off Brazil’s northeastern coast, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Despite immediate rescue efforts by fellow crew members and local emergency services, Wehage was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
The incident occurred during a planned scientific stopover as part of the vessel’s mission prior to an intended Atlantic crossing. Team Malizia stated that fellow crew members “reacted immediately,” alerting emergency services and administering first aid. Local rescue teams continued resuscitation efforts before transporting Wehage to a medical facility, where he later died.
Boris Herrmann, the German offshore sailor and founder of Team Malizia, was not aboard the vessel at the time of the accident. He was at the team’s headquarters in Lorient, France, when notified of the tragedy. The team has been in close contact with Wehage’s family and is providing full support during this difficult period, while also cooperating with local Brazilian and German authorities on the ongoing investigation.
Wehage had joined the Malizia Explorer crew in March 2026 after meeting the team in Ushuaia, Argentina, in December 2025 while traveling as a backpacker. Team Malizia highlighted his enthusiasm, kindness, and deep passion for sailing and the ocean, noting the crew had looked forward to having him aboard for the transatlantic journey.
The Malizia Explorer, a 26-meter research vessel acquired by Team Malizia in 2025, is used for scientific expeditions in addition to the team’s sailing racing activities. The vessel had recently hosted environmental activist Luisa Neubauer during a four-week research trip to Antarctica in January 2026 as part of a joint mission with Under The Pole.
Team Malizia’s official statement emphasized their deep sorrow, confirming the loss “together with the family” of the 32-year-old German crew member. The team is working with relevant authorities to determine the exact circumstances of the accident while offering support to those on board who were affected by the traumatic event.
The sailing community has expressed condolences to Team Malizia and Wehage’s family following the announcement. As the team processes this loss, they continue to balance their commitment to scientific research and ocean conservation with the profound grief of losing a valued crew member.
For continued updates on Team Malizia’s missions and official statements, visit the team’s official website or follow their verified social media channels.
