Press release

Coastguard statement on Cheeki Rafiki search and rescue operation

This is a statement from Her Majesty's Coastguard on the search operation for the Cheeki Rafiki, carried out by the US Coast Guard.

• From: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Published: 20 May 2014

This news article was withdrawn on 13 August 2024

This article has been withdrawn as it is over 2 years old. It remains available as a public record of events and was accurate at the time of publishing.

Keith Oliver, Head of Maritime Operations with HM Coastguard, said:

Her Majesty’s Coastguard has been in regular contact with the US Coast Guard since this sad situation began to unfold in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Cheeki Rafiki is believed to have run into difficulty approximately 1,000 miles east of Massachusetts, USA. The US Coast Guard is responsible for search and rescue in this area.

Based on the information provided to us, we believe that the US Coast Guard has done all they can to locate the stricken yacht and her crew.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these 4 sailors at this extremely difficult time.

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Published 20 May 2014