For the initial story, 'PRB's EPIRB activated' click here. For the 2nd story, Fila to arrive at 0500 GMT click here
Summary: 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 has been sailing ever since to reach PRB's position. Here are updates arranged from most recent to least recent.1353- Soldini sends message to race office that he is on station and will begin search. 1320- Fila is 4 miles from PRB's GPIRB signal. 1204- 14 miles fro PRB, GPIBRP signal still being received. Latest reports have him less than 4 miles away. 0944- 40 miles from PRB. 1124- Winds SW @ 25 knots. 0749- Fila reports 45 knots of wind on the nose. 0634- Fila reports wind switch, now beating into the wind and seas. 0442- Fila 56 miles away. 0350- Fila reports 12 meter waves. 0337- Fila 60 miles away. 0320- race office still getting good GPIRB signals from PRB.
Another distressed Class I boat, Gatmore has reached the Chatham Islands. Josh Hall brough Gartmore back to land @ 0325 GMT today.
Torresen Sailing Site will continue to provide information as it becomes available.