THE SPORTSMISTAKES RECORD

Cheeki Rafiki Keel Failure

2014 • Sailing • Design Mistake • Keel Failure
Cheeki Rafiki Keel Failure — SportsMistakes artwork

THE STORY

In May 2014, the UK-registered yacht Cheeki Rafiki capsized in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 720 miles east-southeast of Nova Scotia, after losing its keel. All four crew members—skipper Andrew Bridge, 22, and James Male, 22, Steve Warren, 52, and Paul Goslin, 56—were lost at sea. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch concluded the keel detachment was likely caused by previous groundings and repairs that weakened the vessel's structure.

TEAMS / PEOPLE: Cheeki Rafiki

WHY IT MATTERS

This tragedy highlighted the critical importance of thorough inspection and maintenance of offshore yachts, particularly concerning keel attachments, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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