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On August 27, 2025, a Sun 2500 engaged in coastal sailing from the Ile de Ré saw its situation deteriorate abruptly as it approached Saint-Denis d'Oléron. The crew, who had no VHF on board, were surprised by a strong westerly swell, particularly heavy around Chassiron. The small sailboat was rolled, causing it to dismast. The injured skipper was evacuated by helicopter. A look back at a rescue complicated by the absence of radio communication.
An underestimated westerly swell
Despite moderate conditions in sheltered areas, the entrance to the Pertuis d'Antioche remained subject to an energetic westerly swell, amplified by the swell generated by Hurricane Erin. This phenomenon is well known to local yachtsmen: rising seabeds and contrary currents can generate brutal waves, even in calm weather. The Sun 2500, sailing without any suitable means of communication, set course for Saint-Denis d'Oléron without being aware of these risks.
Philippe Machefaux , president of the SNSMS in La Rochelle, is well aware of the recurring dangers in the area: " Even in midsummer, very short, powerful waves can rise suddenly and overturn light units."
Shortly before entering the harbor, the boat was caught by a beam wave, which caused it to capsize violently, breaking the mast. The skipper was thrown into the cockpit and suffered serious injuries. "It's a safe port, but in a westerly swell, the approach can become very dangerous. Many fishing RIBs are sometimes caught out in this area"
A joint intervention between sea and air
Alerted by CROSS Etel, La Rochelle's SNSM was called in from the port of Les Minimes. The rescuers quickly secured the boat and recovered one of the two crew members. At the same time, a French Navy helicopter, already on exercise at La Cotinière, was able to intervene quickly to evacuate the injured skipper.
It should be noted that a local jet-ski school kept the yacht stationary during the first critical minutes, while awaiting reinforcements. Without this intervention, the yacht would certainly have been pushed towards the breakers, which would have been dramatic for the crew.
Lack of VHF makes rescue difficult
The yacht had no fixed or portable VHF on board. As a result, the warning signal was only broadcast at a late stage, via a telephone call relayed by third parties. "Too often, boaters rely on their cell phones. However, at sea, the VHF remains the most reliable tool", stresses Philippe. The response launches are equipped with VHF with gonio, which enables them to be located quickly in the event of distress. On the other hand, triangulation of a cell phone is complex and time-consuming, and can only be carried out by the CROSS.
Continuous prevention on channel 16
A number of prevention messages had been broadcast throughout the day on channel 16 by the CROSS, notably to remind people of the presence of swell and the importance of radio equipment. "Conditions may seem mild on land, but they quickly deteriorate in the passes. A call to 196 may be enough on land, but at sea, without VHF, you become invisible."
