The Story From Blue Yankee

We just received this from one of the crew on the R/P 66 Blue Yankee, which suffered a tremendous tragedy during the Block Island Race. As shocking as this is, it really is a wonder these things don't happen more often. Our thoughts go to all concerned. /ED

I don't know if you heard about what happened on Blue Yankee yesterday? A very close friend of mine was lost at sea on the around Block Island race this weekend. (Jamie Bocell). We were tight reaching with the 3a and the wind started to get pretty heavy (squall like) so we were in the middle of a peel to the 5a and rounded up, not too bad, the boat recovered, and Jaime went for the spike. He was having a hard time with the spike. The pole broke Jamie went in the water! Face down, we think he was unconscious. One of our crew jumped in and tried to keep his head up and the MOM was deployed 3 seconds after Jamie went in. We were doing 16 knots. We estimated 7-10 min before we got back to the MOM. There was no sign of either of them. we found Brock about 30 yards or so away from the MOM alone.

We pulled him onto the boat just in time, as he was going down too. We were in full foullies and the water is very cold right now. Brock held on to Jamie for as long as he could, but could not hold him up. For a while he said that the only thing he could hold on to was Jamie's leg as he was sinking and taking Brock with him. Boats were dropping out of the race like flys to help with the search. 2 coastguard hellis and 8 coastguard boats, local sheriffs, everyone. We figured 20 to 25 boats helped search but no sign yet, still hoping and praying!

That's exactly what happened! Just so rumors don't spread as they always do.

05/26/2002

 

Blue Yankee, On Shore Perspective.

I live on the shore in the Lordship section of Stratford, CT and heard the distress calls from the Blue Yankee from the second the victim went into the water. I immediately went outside and was able to identify the Blue Yankee by their search light. The response from the local authorities was immediate, especially the Bridgeport Marine Unit.

The information relayed to the Coast Guard and the local authorities in such a calm, methodical manner was impressive and helpful. I knew from the transmissions that this was not a weekend boater. Had the victim been conscious, I know this would not have resulted in such a tragic ending. My prayers are with the the victim - and the crew of the Blue Yankee, they did everything in their power to save that man.

Dennis Campbell

05/29/2002