The South African Navy has successfully brought ashore three South African sailors who won the 2026 Cape to Rio Yacht Race after their yacht sank in the South Atlantic Ocean during their return voyage from Brazil.
SAS Adam Kok III rendezvoused with the Pacific merchant vessel Bryant on Wednesday 11 February 2026 approximately 63 nautical miles off Cape Point. The three sailors were safely transferred and arrived at Naval Base Simon’s Town on Thursday morning where they were reunited with members of the Royal Cape Yacht Club in emotional scenes of relief and gratitude.
The crew skipper Sibusiso Sizatu and Renaldo Mohale both from Masiphumelele Cape Town and Andrea Myburgh from Johannesburg had recently secured victory in the prestigious 2026 Cape to Rio Yacht Race aboard the sailing vessel Angel Wings.
While en route home to Cape Town Angel Wings encountered serious difficulties in the early hours of Monday 2 February 2026 approximately 110 nautical miles off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. Skipper Sizatu reported that he was preparing to begin his watch when he noticed the mast collapsing. With limited fuel reserves of approximately 200 litres and worsening conditions the crew determined that returning to Rio was not feasible. Shortly thereafter the vessel began taking on water.
“I immediately contacted the Royal Cape Yacht Club Commodore David Garrard who alerted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre South Africa” said Sizatu.
Through satellite tracking systems it was established that the nearest vessel to Angel Wings was the Marshall Islands-flagged merchant vessel Bryant en route to Singapore. The vessel diverted from its course to respond to the distress call and the crew of Angel Wings were safely taken aboard. Shortly after the rescue the yacht sank.
Following the rescue the Royal Cape Yacht Club formally requested assistance from the South African Navy to transfer the three sailors from Bryant once the vessel reached South African waters. The South African Navy immediately activated arrangements for SAS Adam Kok III to conduct the transfer operation.
The South African Navy commended the swift coordination between the Royal Cape Yacht Club MRCC South Africa and the crew of Bryant whose decisive actions ensured the safe rescue of the sailors. Upon arrival in Simon’s Town the crew expressed deep relief and gratitude stating they are eager to reunite with their families after the ordeal.
The South African Navy remains committed to protecting the country’s maritime interest and safeguarding lives at sea by supporting maritime safety operations in partnership with national and international stakeholders.
