A British couple, Sam Coltman and Kelda Smith, are stranded in the Atlantic Ocean after the mast of their self-built sailing boat snapped in strong winds. The incident occurred approximately 350 miles off the coast of the Azores, leaving them struggling to make headway.
Details of the Incident
Sam Coltman, 32, and Kelda Smith, 31, were sailing aboard their vessel, Tonks, when the mast was destroyed by gales. They were 25 days and around 2,200 miles into their journey from St Martin to the Azores, en route to Falmouth in Cornwall. The couple had spent the last three years sailing around Europe, the east coast of the United States, and the Caribbean.
The ordeal was compounded by earlier engine failure due to a broken water pump. Despite these challenges, the crew—including friend Alessa Decker—remains positive, slowly making their way toward land using a temporary makeshift mast rigged from a storm jib, traveling at around two knots.
Reaction from Sam Coltman
Describing the moment he realized the mast was gone, Sam said: “I hadn’t been awake that long so I didn’t believe it. I was in shock and thought ‘what are we going to do now? This boat is our home – we have lived on board for six years. And we have built it from scratch and she means a lot for us. We are just making our way forward trying not to spiral and trying not to think too far ahead.”
He added: “We can’t wait to get ashore, it will be nice to go ashore and drink a cold beer.”
Background of the Boat
Sam and Kelda found the boat abandoned in a field in north Devon six years ago and rebuilt it beside the River Penryn in Cornwall over 18 months. The vessel is described as “all they have.”
Fundraiser Launched
Friends of the couple have launched a fundraiser to cover mounting costs of repairs and recovery. Jasper Troje Tuck, who initiated the fundraiser, said: “Thankfully, everyone onboard is safe, though understandably shaken. Emergency services have been informed and are aware of their situation. We’re in communication and are hoping to coordinate assistance.”
He added: “They still have a long way to go before reaching land, and the costs ahead will be significant: recovering from dismasting, replacing essential equipment, repairing the boat and ultimately getting Tonks safely home to Cornwall.”
The couple hopes to raise £12,000 for repairs, with more than £7,000 already donated.
