East North Pacific: Yacht Abandoned as Solo Sailor Suffers Massive Stroke
News Intro
Possible Hazard to Navigation: SV West Wind II is adrift 500 Nautical Miles WNW of San Francisco, CA. after USCG Alameda coordinated rescue of solo captain who suffered a stroke on September 17, 2020.
Last Update - September 26, 2020
News Item Content
- West Wind – photograph taken by USCG
Ocean Cruising Club Endurance Award winner Glenn Wakefield sailed from Victoria BC on 6 September to attempt a solo nonstop circumnavigation for the third time.
On 15 September, 500NM WNW of San Francisco, Glenn managed to contact his wife with a distress message indicating that he thought he was suffering a stroke, before he lost consciousness.
The US Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Alameda co-ordinated a tricky rescue involving a fixed wing aircraft to locate the vessel and assistance from MV Colombo Express. An unconscious Glenn was transferred to the ship using a smaller rescue vessel in rough seas and a total of 5 planes were used in the rescue.
- Glenn Wakefield – photo courtesy of the OCC
Glenn is stable in a hospital in California, in critical condition in ICU following a confirmed massive stroke. Arrangements are being made to medivac Glenn back to Victoria. Because of COVID-19, Glenn’s family are unable to travel to see Glenn.
Glenn’s yacht West Wind II is adrift and the inReach tracker has lost power so there is no practical way of mounting a recovery effort. She is a sloop with a green hull. USCG Alameda does not have a current position.
Further Reading:
- Read the full story by the OCC: Glenn Wakefield rescued after massive stroke while solo sailing in the Pacific
- BoatWatch – current watches
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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.
Sadly Glenn died on Monday 5th October following surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain. He was on Vancouver Island when he died, according to his family.