Sydney Hobart – the sound of Gunshot (amongst others)
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 26 Dec 2022 09:52 GMT
JBW at work - Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 2019 © Kellett CYCA
Highlighting the incredible work all the team and Government bodies do, at around 2000hrs AEDT it was reported that JBW (a radio relay vessel) was trying to raise the Elliot 52, Gunshot, as a PLB had gone off. JBW had not had any luck raising them. A little while later they had enlisted local boats, which include craft like Chutzpah and Helsal 3 to see if they could grab their attention via VHF.
Given Gunshot's continued Southerly trajectory at 8-12 knots, there would appear to be no imminent threat or issue to David Walsh and crew. PLBs can go off accidentally. This would appear to be the case here, and another reminder that correct information recorded by AMSA for all of these devices means proper and immediate, contained action can be implemented when required.
That no airborne assets have been activated, nor other PLBs on the craft, is a very good thing. A big shout out to all the responders etc that are involved in the total safety of events like this one.
At just after midnight, the helmer (Clyde Freeman) on the Santa Cruz 72, Antipodes, had an accidental triggering too. The boat was raised by radio, and the PLB deactivated. The vessel was in 24th position at the time.
At 0725 JBW was once more on the case checking into another activation, this time aboard Enterprise Next Generation, a Botin Carkeek Gp42 from Western Australia. They are 119nm behind the leader, and on the tail of the back of the Village of the TPs, with 428nm to go. Being in 23rd position overall, and seeing as what you are, you could say punching well above their weight. So I will... Nice work team.
PLB deactivated, and once more, many thanks to Chutzpah, who have been doing a lot of relay work overnight.
Stay safe, thanks for tuning into Sail-World.com, and all the best for 2023.