Guy de Boer requests urgent medical evacuation from SPIRIT in the South Atlantic
- Guy reports worsening symptoms following a fall aboard SPIRIT on 2 November.
- GGR has requested urgent evacuation assistance from MRCC Brazil.
- Guy is approx 800 Miles est of Rio de Janeiro sailing in light winds toward it..
- YB Satellite position reports increased to every 15 minutes to support coordination.
- As at 18:54 UTC, the available communications record did not confirm a completed evacuation plan.However a Brazilian Navy corvette Barroso -V34 with a helicopter onboard may be tasked for the rescue.
Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, 7 November 2026 — McIntyre Golden Globe Race entrant Guy de Boer has requested immediate medical evacuation from his yacht SPIRIT in the South Atlantic after reporting a sudden deterioration in his condition following an onboard accident earlier this week.
Shortly after 16:00 UTC today, Guy contacted GGR directly by satellite telephone. He reported that he could no longer use his left arm, stand or maintain his balance, and was unable to eat.
GGR advised him to activate his emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), leave his satellite telephone switched on and keep his grab bag nearby. Don McIntyre notified Brazil’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at 16:20 UTC. GGR submitted Official Situation Report No. 1 at 16:30 UTC, requesting urgent evacuation assistance and providing Guy’s reported condition, position and communications arrangements.
SPIRIT’s YB satellite position reporting was increased to every 15 minutes, with MRCC Brazil advised at 16:45 UTC. A Brazilian doctor contacted Don at 18:36 UTC and was supplied with Guy’s satellite telephone numbers. Don also recommended contact with Dr Spike Briggs of MSOS. Guy’s medical file was sent to the Brazilian rescue coordination authorities at 18:54 UTC.
Guy first reported the accident to Race Manager Georgie Vintner on 3 November. He described falling inside SPIRIT’s cabin on 2 November, striking his head and possibly losing consciousness among other issues. Georgie instructed him to contact MSOS medical assistance immediately, and Dr Briggs discussed his condition with the GGR team that morning.
Dr Briggs advised against Guy continuing in the race and recommended sailing downwind towards Punta del Este to seek medical attention. Guy understood the advice but wanted to assess his recovery and hoped to continue in the GGR. On 4 November he reported some improvement, although the doctor’s assessment of the risks remained unchanged.
On 5 November, Guy’s manager reported further balance problems and said Guy intended to reverse course and head towards Rio de Janeiro.
Late on 6th November, family concerns had prompted them to contact MRCC Brazil. At 0230UTC on 7 November they contacted GGR requesting information. GGR supplied SPIRIT’s safety documentation, emergency equipment and communications details, beacon identification codes and photographs. GGR confirmed that no direct evacuation request from Guy had been received. His explicit request shortly after 16:00 UTC was immediately relayed to MRCC Brazil.
GGR’s priority is Guy’s safety and supporting the Brazilian authorities with the information needed to assist him. As of the latest recorded update at 18:54 UTC, a completed evacuation plan had not been confirmed. Further information will be released as it is confirmed.
ENDS
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