The Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa (OSASA) has issued a warning about a drifting yacht in the Mozambique Channel between Mozambique and Madagascar, which is believed to have the bodies of an Australian woman and a French man onboard.

Published 5 hours ago, updated 4 mins ago

Yacht Drifting

The Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa (OSASA) has issued a warning about a drifting yacht in the Mozambique Channel between Mozambique and Madagascar.

OSASA report that a distress call was picked up on Thursday 27 November, when the yacht was approximately 200NM off the coast of northern Mozambique. The French Coast Guard launched a recovery mission with assistance from ships in the area. The yacht was boarded and the bodies discovered, however they have not been formally identified. The yacht was left to drift.

The two sailors on board the yacht are believed to be an Australian woman and a French man who were sailing down the Mozambique Channel headed west towards Durban, South Africa.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs said authorities were still investigating the incident.

It is understood that the French Navy is going to find the yacht and tow it to Mayotte.

Last known position:

A PAN PAN has been issued for the drifting sailing vessel, named Acteon, which is described as white with a blue line hull. 

The last known position was 19°25.58S 038°55.48E. 

The yacht has no tracker on board.

Vessels in the vicinity are asked to keep a good look out and contact France’s GRIS-NEZ MRCC with any sightings.

Northern Mozambique Security

• Armed Islamist groups linked to ISIS are active in northern Mozambique, mainly Cabo Delgado Province. Attacks continue around Palma, Mocímboa da Praia, and Macomia.
• If sailing the East African coast, stay well offshore and do not approach Cabo Delgado or nearby islands. See Mozambique Security on Noonsite.

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Related News:

• Australian Sailor Feared Dead in African Waters (7News Australia)
• Port Lincoln Sailor Feared Dead in Mozambique Channel off Coast of Africa (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
• Mystery Surrounds Disappearance of Australian Navigator and French Sailor (Le Parisien – in French)

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