UPDATE August 16, 2023
Captain John Andrews has expressed his gratitude for everyone who assisted with his rescue. Below he expressed his heartfelt thanks to Chris Parker, Marine Weather Center, mwxc.com for his rapid response.
“Once again my heartfelt thanks to you for working so hard on my rescue. The Fijian navy instructed the Kokomo Resort to send out two fast boats as they were closest.
The problem was that they could not approach close enough from within the reef or from outside the reef.
In the end the only way was for me to jump in the water from wizard and swim across the reef itself to theboat already within the reef. The Kokomo guys were fantastic!
Wizard is still actually afloat but we will have to see.
My many thanks to you once again and to all the people who responded so quickly to your instructions.
John”
UPDATE August 15, 2023 re SV Wizard: Very good news. A family representative has advised that the Captain John Andrews has been rescued, is in good health and is currently at Cocomo resort. No other details are available at this time.
Broadcast Version For Maritime Mobile Service Network and Other Networks
Mayday declared via EPIRB and communications with Chris Parker, Marine Weather Center by SV Wizard, SE of Fiji.
MAYDAY email received by Chris Parker, Marine Weather Center at 1047 utc on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023. Solo Captain John Andrews advised he had hit a reef and has set off his EPIRB as he is in danger of sinking. Last known location Is:
S18.37.610 E 178.33.527
SV Wizard is a 40 foot Elan monohull. He departed Vavau, Tonga(18-32S/173-55W) on Saturday, Aug 12, and was on route to Port Denerau, Fiji(17-45S/177–28E), via Oneata passage (18-28.50S / 178-14W).
Vessel Type: Sailing Monohull
Name: WIZARD
Description: MONO. ELAN 40 – 12 Port of Registry: GUERNSEY
SSB Call Sign: 2HGG3
His Iridium Sat Phone number is 881652419052.
RCC Fiji is coordinating the rescue. RCC Alameda has been notified. Keep a sharp lookout and assist if possible.
