Two yachts were involved in a collision at sea on a day that began with calm seas but quickly turned tense. The incident occurred as one vessel came to assist the other after a mechanical failure, and the situation evolved into a rescue operation that included five passengers who were transported to La Luz Port. They are expected to reach the harbor early on Sunday.
The location of the event was far from crowded harbors, roughly 1,100 kilometers south of Gran Canaria and about 418 kilometers north of the Cape Verdean island of Mindelo. Salvage authorities reported that the two vessels had set course toward the capital of Gran Canaria before trouble arose on board Kalisto, a yacht that had two crew members on board when the mechanical problem surfaced. In total, there were three people aboard Kalisto who required assistance as the situation developed.
During the course of the rescue operation, a second incident occurred as two pleasure boats collided and subsequently sank. Three crew members from one of the vessels managed to reach safety on life rafts, in accordance with the guidance issued by the public maritime rescue authorities. The crews faced a dangerous moment, but the life rafts provided the necessary refuge until help could reach them.
Coordinated efforts involved the National Maritime Rescue Center in Madrid, which led the command response, working in close collaboration with colleagues in Cape Verde. The nearby bulk carrier named Chris was navigating the area and altered its course when alerted to the unfolding events. It proceeded along a route connecting Brazil’s Itacoatiara port with La Luz, and its crew temporarily paused its voyage to assist in the rescue operation. After the assist, the bulk carrier resumed its route, rejoining the search and rescue efforts and ensuring that all five people on board were accounted for and in good health upon reaching a safer point in the operation.
The vessel involved in the initial rescue continued its journey toward the capital city, Gran Canaria, with an ETA of around four in the morning on Sunday. The coordinated response demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and rapid communication when maritime incidents involve multiple vessels and complex navigation conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available regarding weather, vessel status, and any further actions taken to ensure the safety of all those involved.