A couple from Britain found themselves in a challenging situation in the Atlantic Ocean when the mast of their self-constructed sailboat broke due to strong winds. Sam Coltman, 32, and Kelda Smith, 31, were navigating their vessel, Tonks, approximately 350 miles off the Azores coast when the incident occurred recently.
The duo was on their way back to Falmouth in Cornwall after a three-year sailing expedition across Europe, the eastern U.S. coast, and the Caribbean. They were 25 days and around 2,200 miles into their journey from St. Martin to the Azores when the mast collapsed during severe gales. Prior to this, the boat had faced engine failure due to a malfunctioning water pump.
Sam recounted the alarming moment when he discovered the missing mast, expressing disbelief and concern about their future on the boat they had called home for six years. Despite the setbacks, the couple, along with their friend Alessa Decker, maintained a positive outlook as they slowly made progress towards land.
Friends of Sam and Kelda have initiated a fundraising campaign to assist with the increasing expenses for repairs and recovery, emphasizing the boat’s significance to the couple. The sailors have improvised a temporary sail using a storm jib and are currently moving at a speed of about two knots.
Jasper Troje Tuck, a friend who launched the fundraiser, assured that emergency services were informed of the situation and efforts were being made to coordinate assistance. The couple aims to raise £12,000 for repairs, with over £7,000 already contributed. To support the cause, donations can be made through the provided link.
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