Search underway for missing sailors of eco-friendly cargo sailboat De Gallant

Rescuers in the Bahamas are currently conducting a search for two experienced female sailors who went missing after their eco-friendly cargo sailboat, the 90ft schooner De Gallant, sank on its way to the UK. The vessel had set sail from Colombia on May 11, carrying a load of coffee, cocoa, and sugar destined for the Azores, mainland Europe, and Britain. Despite being more than 100 years old, the De Gallant had a history of participating in Tall Ships races and was operated by the French company Blue Schooner, known for its carbon-neutral cargo services.

Shipped By Sail, a British-based brokerage firm, had previously announced on social media that the De Gallant was en route from Colombia and would soon be arriving at the port of Santa Marta. The vessel, a popular choice for environmentally conscious cargo transportation since 2017, had garnered attention for its sustainable practices and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. However, the recent turn of events has left the maritime community concerned for the safety of the missing crew members.

The disappearance of the two sailors has prompted a full-scale search and rescue operation in the Bahamas, where the vessel met its unfortunate fate. As efforts continue to locate the missing crew members, the maritime industry is once again reminded of the risks and challenges that come with seafaring, even for experienced sailors. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety measures and preparedness when embarking on long journeys across the open sea.

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