Devastated by the loss of the 40-year-old French sailor off Kasos on Monday night, on the second day of the international sailing competition, is the sailing community.
The chairman of the Organizing Committee of the AEGEAN 600, veteran sailor and ocean explorer Mr. Ioannis Maragoudakis, from the first minute that the tragic incident became known, has been on the line both with the Single Coordination Center for Search and Rescue (operations room) of the Ministry of Merchant Shipping as well as subsequently with the Kasos Port Authority, which in cooperation with the judicial authorities carries out all the necessary procedures.
There is also constant communication with the French consular authority of Rhodes, which is responsible for communicating with the relatives of the deceased.
“We are devastated, there are no words for this loss,” emphasized Mr. Ioannis Maragoudakis and added, referring to the chapter of security that, as president of P.O.I.A.T.H. and man of the sea gives special importance. “For sixty years we have been organizing the Aegean Rally with absolute safety and thank God no accident has occurred. For us the safety of the crews is A and Z. This is why we offer pre-race seminars and provide a thorough and informative guide to both safety and the weather conditions that will prevail.
This is how we help crews comply with safety regulations and learn as much as possible. Regardless, sometimes, unfortunately, accidents can happen. We and everyone involved in the event mourn the terrible loss at HEAVEN and extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”
As expected the atmosphere at Olympic Marine is heavy.
By decision of the Organizing Committee, the flags of the countries are now flying at half-mast in memory of the 40-year-old French woman.
“Unfortunately when he fell into the sea he was hit by the boat’s rudder,” commented HEAVEN skipper Andrii Prokopenko from Casso. “The water was full of blood from the impact and we did our best to treat this serious injury. We are devastated by this terrible accident,” he added.
The crew members and the captain of the HEAVEN are in custody at the Kasos Port Authority and will be released after the deposition is completed.
