The S/V Aureole, with 79-year-old single-hander John Barsdell on board, went missing on passage between Trinidad and Grenada in early March 2016. The yacht was reported found about a week later in Venezuelan waters with no one on board.

Published 8 years ago, updated 6 years ago

https://www.safetyandsecuritynet.com/news-sv-aureole [ Broken Link ]

Experienced sailor John Barsdell left Trinidad bound for Grenada aboard his yacht S/V Aureol (39 ft) on March 7, 2016, ETA March 8.

A week later his yacht was discovered in Venezuela waters.

Jesse James at YSATT has received additional information from the family.

He indicates that while the hull and rigging were in fair shape, the boat had been thoroughly ransacked, everything that could be removed was gone – sails, dinghy, navigation equipment, batteries, etc.

Mr Barsdell’s body was recovered later, and initial autopsy findings indicated no obvious injuries.

A family member travelled to Venezuela and aided by the British Consul and Venezuelan CG, now believes that this was likely an accident.

CSSN would like to thank the family and Jesse James for sharing this information with the cruising community and extends condolences to the family and friends of Mr Barsdell.

Reminder

Those making passage between Trinidad and Grenada can file a float plan with the TTCG, and if desired establish an agreed communications plan with North Post radio, who monitor VHF 16 and HF 2182 24/7. Here is a basic float plan template.