For the initial story, 'PRB's EPIRB activated' click here.
At 1423 GMT 15 February the French Class I entry skippered by Isabelle Autissier activated its emergency beacon. At the time of activation PRB was 1900 miles west of Cape Horn. At 1730 GMT race officials asked fellow Class I sailor Giovanni Soldini to alter course and head towards PRB.
Soldini should be at PRB's last known position around 0500 GMT (Midnight eastern). As he started his search Soldini sent this message to race headquarters: ""I am heading for PRB for an hour now," he said. "I have 30 knots of wind and I'm not letting up until I have found Isa." The other class I boat, Somewhere is currently unavailable due problems with the gooseneck.
Weather reports for the area indicate, 25 foot seas and winds of 35 to 45 knots from the west southwest. The weather is expected to worsen.
On her side Autissier has sufficient emergency gear. PRB carries both EPIRBS and GPIRBS. The GPIRB has a built in GPS transmitter, which helps fix the boats position. She also carriers a SART (Search and rescue transponder). SART's work with a boats radar to give distance and bearing. This may be useful once Fila gets nearer PRB.
Torresen Sailing Site will continue to provide information as it becomes available.