Staff Writer
WHEN he fell on his yacht during a storm in a remote part of the South Pacific near Hawaii, South African Gert Bosch feared he had fractured a hip, scuppering his solo sea adventure.
Initially unable to move and fearing that doing so might aggravate his suspected injury, the Pretoria man, 52, could not radio for help early on Sunday.
But he later found that although he was in great pain, he was able to move a bit and call his brother in Durban. His progress is now being monitored by the US Coast Guard’s Honolulu Co-ordination Centre, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesman Craig Lambinon says.
“Bosch is under sail and motor power, heading towards Palmyra Atoll, about two days from his location – which is about halfway between the US mainland and Australia. Once he reaches the island, all going well, he will seek medical care. If need be, they have a landing strip on the island so he can be evacuated.”
Bosch had apparently been sailing around Samoa and had been through two hurricanes.
His 38-foot yacht, Lycan, was sailing through a storm in the vicinity of Fanning Island, south of Hawaii, when he fell just after midnight.
“He is about 100 nautical miles from the Palmyra Atoll at present. Gert fell and was unable to move, suspecting he had fractured his hip,” Lambinon said.
Bosch could not reach his VHF radio to call for help.
“Gert phoned his brother, Eugene, in Durban by satellite phone. Eugene called NSRI headquarters at 1.11pm yesterday. We contacted the US Coast Guard Honolulu Co-ordination Centre, which sent a broadcast to all ships and activated a rescue operation. The remote location means help may arrive only much later.”
After a few hours’ rest, Gert confirmed he was able to move a bit, and had managed to get his yacht under motor power.
“The US Coast Guard will remain in contact with Bosch and they are monitoring his progress. They have alerted authorities on the island to expect him and if things get worse, a rescue will be activated,” Lambinon said.
Eugene Bosch said the Department of International Relations and Co-operation and the US consulate in South Africa would be kept informed of his brother’s progress.
“For now, no rescue operation is needed.”