CAPE TOWN – Three South African sailors who made sailing history by winning the Cape2Rio race have been safely rescued after their yacht suffered catastrophic damage during their homeward journey.
Sailing vessel, AlexForbes Angel Wings was abandoned approximately 1 448 kilometres south-east of Rio de Janeiro at 02:30 on Monday, 3 February, after suffering a complete dismasting that left the crew unable to continue their voyage to Cape Town.
All three crew members – skipper Sibusiso Sizatu, first mate Tshepo Renaldo Mohale, and Andrea Myburg – were safely transferred to motor vessel Bryant following coordination between maritime rescue coordination centres in South Africa and Brazil.
The trio were brought to safety with no injuries reported.
From triumph to rescue
The dramatic rescue follows the crew’s historic victory in the 2025 Cape2Rio race, where Alexforbes Angel Wings became the first youth team from the Cape Flats to claim first place on handicap in the Southern Hemisphere’s longest continent-to-continent yacht race.
The sailors hail from Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha, and Capricorn.
Their 3 300-nautical mile triumph was even more remarkable after their boom broke mid-Atlantic on Saturday, 10 January, forcing them to race without critical equipment. Despite this setback, they extended their lead and finished ahead of schedule.
The three women on board had never crossed the Atlantic before, making this achievement even more remarkable.
The decision to abandon Angel Wings came after consultation with motor vessel Bryant’s master, considering the complete loss of all spars needed for a jury rig and deteriorating weather conditions with 20-25 knot winds and 4-5 metre waves.
“The distance from safe harbour and the notorious unpredictability of South Atlantic weather led to the final call of crew uplift and vessel abandonment,” maritime authorities stated.
Angel Wings sank after the crew’s safe rescue. The families of all three sailors have been notified of the incident and successful rescue operation.
Homeward bound
Motor vessel Bryant is bound for Singapore with an estimated arrival on Monday, 2 March, after which the crew will return to Cape Town.
“We are still savouring the victory and achievement despite the setbacks we experienced and are looking forward to our South African reunion and celebration,” said Sizatu after the victory.
Viresh Maharaj, retail CEO at Alexforbes, reflected on the bittersweet conclusion: “The crew is elated with the win and their successful campaign despite the setbacks. They’re looking forward to their reunion and the local prize-giving at Royal Cape Yacht Club in March.”
The three female crew members who participated in the race victory had already returned to South Africa for work and education commitments, receiving a hero’s welcome upon landing in Cape Town.
Maritime authorities thanked the maritime rescue coordination centres in South Africa and Brazil for their prompt assistance, along with motor vessel Bryant’s master, crew, and owners for their professional rescue operation.
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