Captain Jim-sib Posted April 21, 2007 Posted April 21, 2007 DRIFTING OFF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, April 21, 2007 Deserted yacht stumps searchers No signs of crew, but boat found with table set, engine running MERAIAH FOLEY Associated Press SYDNEY, Australia --The missing crew of a catamaran found deserted off the Great Barrier Reef -- with the sails up, engine running and food on the table -- had been planning the "trip of a lifetime," the daughter of one of the three men said Friday. Nine planes and two helicopters were flying over an area about 805 miles long, along with four volunteer rescue boats, police and maritime officials said. Marine police were also towing the 40-foot Kaz II back to shore. A coastal patrol aircraft spotted the vessel on Wednesday; rescue workers who reached the boat early Friday confirmed no one was aboard. Emergency officials said a dinghy was found on board the catamaran, along with its emergency beacon and three life jackets. The catamaran's sails were up, but the headsail was "shredded," according to Warwick Bracken of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. There was no indication of any other damage. "They got on board and said the engine was running, the computers were running, there was a laptop set up on the table, which was running, the radio was working. ... And there was food and utensils set on the table ready to eat, but no sign of the crew," said Jon Hall, a spokesman for Queensland state's Emergency Management office. "It was a bit strange," he said. The crew, Australians ages 56, 63 and 69, had set out Sunday, and was planning to sail for six to eight weeks, according to Sharon Davidson of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Greg Connor, a forecaster with the Bureau of Meteorology, said the sailors would have faced moderate southeasterly winds of about 22 mph, typical weather for this time of year. "It would have been excellent sailing conditions," he said. "There's no reason to believe this is a weather-related incident." ************************************************ Sounds similar to the 5-masted schooner Carroll A. Deering that came ashore off Cape Hatteras in 1921
capnwilliam Posted May 5, 2007 Posted May 5, 2007 Aye, most strange, most strange indeed. Has anyone hear an update on this matter? Capt. William "The fight's not over while there's a shot in the locker!"
The Chapman Posted May 6, 2007 Posted May 6, 2007 Perhaps they died of scurvy. Pauly caught a bullet But it only hit his leg Well it should have been a better shot And got him in the head They were all in love with dyin' They were drinking from a fountain That was pouring like an avalanche Coming down the mountain Butthole Surfers, PEPPER
Captain Jim Posted May 6, 2007 Posted May 6, 2007 The search was called off, in spite of having a GPS trail to follow back. Curious thing in the pictures, though, was that the fenders were deployed as if coming in to dock or alongside another boat. I don't make much out of the shredded headsail, as an untended sail flapping about loosely will degenerate quickly, torn up by the inner forestay. My occupational hazard bein' my occupation's just not around...
Rumba Rue Posted May 6, 2007 Posted May 6, 2007 Pirates? Davey Jones? Kracken? A really big white shark? Is there secret 'triangle' down there that swallows up people? Very strange indeed.
capnwilliam Posted May 10, 2007 Posted May 10, 2007 Has R'lyeh risen again? Capt. William "The fight's not over while there's a shot in the locker!"
Story Posted May 10, 2007 Posted May 10, 2007 Has R'lyeh risen again? Capt. William Unless it's just Dagon up to the usual... Meanwhile, blame "the Bloop". http://www.bloopwatch.org/thebloop.html Dances for nickels.
HildeKitten Posted May 10, 2007 Posted May 10, 2007 The Bermuda triangle is stretching again! That or it might just be a hoax of some rich people with really too much time on their hands. House of Secrets Incorporated Fashion and costume design For all your piracy needs
capnwilliam Posted May 29, 2007 Posted May 29, 2007 Has anyone heard any recent news about this? Capt. William "The fight's not over while there's a shot in the locker!"
Story Posted May 29, 2007 Posted May 29, 2007 Families end search for crew of ghost yacht adrift off Queensland Barbara McMahon in Sydney Tuesday May 8, 2007 The Guardian The families of three men who disappeared from their yacht off Australia in mysterious circumstances have reluctantly called off a search for the missing sailors, acknowledging that they may never know what happened to them. http://www.guardian.co.uk/australia/story/...2074489,00.html There has been no sign of the skipper, Derek Batten, and brothers Jim and Peter Tunstead since their catamaran, Kaz II, was found adrift in calm waters off the coast of Queensland on April 18. Rescuers who came upon the boat were puzzled because everything appeared normal. The engine was ticking over in neutral, mobile phones, laptops, wallets and cameras were in the cabin and food and cutlery had been laid out for a meal. A half-read Sunday newspaper was lying on the table. Dances for nickels.
capnwilliam Posted May 30, 2007 Posted May 30, 2007 Strange. VERY strange! Capt. William "The fight's not over while there's a shot in the locker!"
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