A dramatic few hours on September 12th culminated in the loss of well-known cruising yacht Water Music, which was on its way to South Africa from Jakarta when it lost a rudder and had to be scuttled.
The crew were picked up unharmed by a passing Chinese bulk carrier.
The 14m circumnavigating yacht was due to pick up South African crew in Richard’s Bay en route to Cape Town. Skipper Stephen Foot described the drama in a blog post issued shortly after the being picked up. “About 1400, local time, yesterday (September 12) we lost the rudder,” the Foot said. “There was no warning, but it all went. I ascertained this by swimming under the boat. There was no ingress of water – just no way we could steer.”
“ We attempted a spinnaker boom with floorboards & using blocks & tackles to no avail. This morning we streamed the drogue – which helped for a bit – but then the stitching all fell apart and we lost it. Wind has been blowing 25kn – so not excessive, but very uncomfortable cross seas.”
“We did not believe we could sail to any point on land and so made the decision for a Mayday. The Chinese bulk carrier SMAC Transponder stayed with us yesterday and picked us up this morning. We have scuttled Water Music. We all got off without any personal loss or injury.”
OSASA director Jenny Crickmore-Thompson this week confirmed the incident “Our hearts and thoughts go out to all involved – what a tragedy. I know Stephen would have done absolutely everything possible to save his precious boat and has taken this step as a last possible course.”
In a follow-up post sent on September 14th Foot also described the difficult process of boarding the Chinese bulk carrier: “Coming alongside a ship of this size was quite challenging and securing her was equally difficult. In that process, we ripped two cleats off the boat a chunk of toe rail and a running backstay.”
“Cutting a pipe inside the yacht was my final act of betrayal (to ensure she sank and was no danger to passing traffic) and a poor way to thank an old friend for the loyal service she has given us over the last 16 years. She looked after us better than I looked after her.
Farewell old friend & I hope your final resting place does you justice,” Foot said.