The Latest Messages from Pete Goss assure that the crew is coping and they plan to arrive in Portland tomorrow.
Here is exerpts from Petes latest “Its feels like a lifetime since I have done a blog for things have been a real handful since we were caught up in what turned out to be ‘the’ storm of the trip; It just had to be the last one didn’t it. As you will know we were struck by a huge wave on the starboard quarter which slammed poor old Spirit of Mystery well beyond ninety degree‘s. In doing so Mark’s right leg was broken between the knee and ankle. Additional damage to the boat included the loss of Life raft, Dinghy and Man overboard equipment. Lots of other bits and bobs were torn from the boat and swept away. There was some damage to the Bulwark planking and where lashing points were ripped apart with what was shocking force there is exposed wood, screws and bolts. All primary structure is sound including the rudder and spars and I am left grateful that we were on Spirit of Mystery when it happened for any other boat would have been crippled. Below was absolute chaos with the port side of the boat up to and beyond the deckhead awash due to a huge amount of water below. Equipment was everywhere despite having the boat all strapped down for the storm.
I will do a proper blog/article on the storm in a couple of days once I find the time for we have not stopped since it happened. I guess the best we have been managing is about three hours sleep every twenty four so we have been stretched. As a crew we have all risen to the challenge and I feel immense pride in what has been achieved through fantastic teamwork and attitude. Mark has been an inspiration in the way he has handled the appalling consequences of his injury and the long drawn out aftermath which will start to draw to a conclusion once we get him ashore tomorrow. Imagine being in a storm on a small yacht with a wild and unpredictable motion and having to get below with the lower half of your leg flopping about, bones grinding away just to make sure you know things are not right. Below can offer but little comfort as it is flooded and the storm is not by any means over. I can tell you it takes great courage and fortitude and in witnessing it we have all been humbled.
His leg has been the centre of our world for the last handful of days as we try to get him ashore as soon as possible. Eliot and Andy have been outstanding in supporting Mark and getting our little world back towards some kind of order. We still have a lot to do but as of today feel we are getting on top of things and starting to be proactive rather than reactive. Marks leg has been more than the centre for our world for it has radiated out to the Australian rescue services and to Dr Spike Briggs of ‘Medical Support Offshore Ltd’ who are covering our medical backup. I just can’t tell you how fantastic they have been both in the spirit and professionalism that has been demonstrated.
One of our problems has been damage to our communications making information flow challenging. We have had two planes overfly us, the last making a drop of extra morphine to manage the pain and a satellite phone for communications. The drops were an outstanding piece of flying, three canisters all landing within a 100 metres of the bow. At the moment Mark is in his berth with his leg stabilized to the point we are happy to stand down a helicopter extraction. We are motor sailing towards Portland which just under 100NM away and will be met by a Coast Guard Launch at dawn with a paramedic on board. If conditions allow we may transfer Mark there otherwise we take him into Portland ourselves.
Spirits are as high as they have ever been on this trip although we are desperately upset to be losing Mark at this stage of the voyage. Mark has no option but to put a brave face on things but it is tough after so much effort over the last year and half as we have worked towards our goal of reaching Melbourne. This trip was inspired by seven Cornishmen who set sail in 1854 for a better life in Australia. It remains the same, that is our focus, if anything we are even more inspired and will keep pushing on in the hope that Mark will be able to meet us on the dock in Melbourne with a pasty and pint.
I am sorry not to have been able to give you the blogs that I would have wanted too but trust you understand the situation we have been labouring under. Mandy tells us that many of you have sent in messages of support I have to say it means an awful lot to us. I look forward to writing a proper blog on the experience and all those that supported us in our time of need so selflessly.