THE STORY
On November 30, 2020, during the 2020-21 Vendée Globe race, Kevin Escoffier's IMOCA 60 yacht PRB broke in half after hitting a wave at 27 knots. Escoffier activated his distress beacon and abandoned ship, taking refuge in a liferaft 840 nautical miles southwest of Cape Town. Competitor Jean Le Cam diverted to assist, locating and rescuing Escoffier despite severe weather on December 1.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Kevin Escoffier, PRB, Jean Le Cam
WHY IT MATTERS
This incident underscores the inherent risks of solo ocean racing and highlights the critical importance of rapid response and international cooperation in maritime emergencies.