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Authorities have sent out an appeal to all ocean-going craft to be on the lookout for the French solo sailor, Emmanuel Dailler, who has reportedly gone missing.

The 56-year-old sailor set out from Hout Bay Yacht Club to Martinique in the Caribbean on 2 March 2023.

But after not arriving in the Caribbean as scheduled, authorities are now concerned and called on all ships in the Atlantic, as well as the Indian Ocean to be on the lookout for his boat.

Dailler set sail from South Africa on his mono-hull white yacht, the Akela II.

“Had he changed his mind and gone East is a mystery that we are hoping our wide appeal can help to determine. We are widening our efforts to include the Indian ocean, as he has a sister residing in Australia. We simply have no way and no new leads to suggest he went either way.”

Cape Town Etc reported that Dailler’s yacht only has marine VHF radio communications on board, so tracking his whereabouts is difficult. Although French, his yacht is registered in South Africa.

To add confusion to the search, authorities have indicated that a similar yacht with the same name, AKELA II, was spotted in the Caribbean, but it has been confirmed that although bearing the same name, it was not Dailler’s.

NSRI CEO, Dr Cleeve Robertson says at this stage no formal search can be launched because there is no indication that he is in distress.

Anyone with information, any sightings or contact with Akela II and Emmanuel Dailler, may contact MRCC (SA MARITIME RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE) at +279383300 mrcc.ct@samsa.org.za or NSRI EOC +27829947555 operations@searescue.org.za

[source:capetownetc&timeslive]