The Directors of World Cruising Club express their deep sorrow at the death
of John Thompson, 54, the skipper of the yacht
Avocet that was participating
in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC 2007).
John Thompson, a lawyer from Bangor, Northern Ireland, sustained serious
head injuries in an accident onboard his yacht late on Friday 7 December
2007.
The incident occurred mid-Atlantic whilst the yacht was at position 15?28N 43?59W, 980 nautical miles East of St.Lucia and 1090 nautical miles West of the Cape Verde Islands, well beyond the range of any land based assistance.
The Maritime Rescue Control Centre (MRCC) in Martinique diverted a cruise
ship, the Costa Mediterranea, to attend the scene and at first light on
Saturday 8 December John was transferred onto the ship. His son Daniel who had been sailing with him accompanied his father. Early on Monday morning (10 December) John was transferred ashore once the ship reached Barbados,
where he received immediate hospital treatment.
Regrettably, John did not recover from his serious injuries whilst in
hospital, and died late today (Thursday 13 December); his family were with
him at the time.
Andrew Bishop, Managing Director of the event organisers, World Cruising
Club, commented:
"We are all deeply saddened by the news of John's death in this tragic
sailing accident and send our condolences and prayers to his family. Despite this being such a difficult time for them, I know that they take some
comfort from the fact that John died participating in the sport he loved.
Our thoughts and those of all his fellow ARC sailors are with his wife Tina,
son Dan and family today."
The yacht Avocet, with 4 remaining crew, all of whom are very experienced,
has continued on to St.Lucia, with an expected arrival date of Friday 14
December.
