CV28 UNICEF Update

UPDATE: 1850 UTC

At 18:00 UTC, the UNICEF yacht berthed at Mindelo Marina in the Cape Verde islands. The local marina team will assist with immigration clearance for crew member George Ogden who will then be taken by the waiting ambulance to receive a medical assessment. There is no need for the rest of the team to go through immigration and as soon as George is safely away to hospital the team will depart.

George’s emergency contact has been updated by the Clipper Race Manager.

The Clipper Race Office thank MSOS for the remote medical care received on board, NMOC Fareham, Healix who is supporting George on the ground and the team at Mindelo Marina who has helped the team in port. Thank you too to Skipper Dan Bodey, AQP Laura Hampton and the UNICEF team for their support of George and good spirits whilst the team diverted to Cape Verde.

UNICEF ceased racing when it entered the 3nm exclusion zone inbound and will resume racing when the team breaks out of the 3nm exclusion zone outbound. Skipper Dan Bodeywill note times and positions and declare these to the Race Office.

CV22 Bekezela is expected to arrive at Mindelo Marina, Cape Verde at approximately 1100 UTC (1000 local time)on 24 September. The injured crew member on board remains stable. A further update will be available tomorrow morning once the yacht has berthed.

17:00 UTC 21 September 2023

George Ogden, a crew member on board CV28 UNICEF, requires medical assessment on shore, following complaints of abdominal pain.

On liaison with the Clipper Race’s remote medical support company, it is recommended that George receives a medical assessment at the nearest practical medical centre. Therefore, CV28 will be diverting to the Cape Verdes. George’s condition is stable, and he is being closely monitored on board. George’s emergency contact has been informed and all other crew on board are safe and well.

At present, UNICEF is currentlyaround 450nm away on a direct and downwind course and is expected to reach the islands around midday on Saturday, 23 September.

The Clipper Race Office remains in close contact with the skipper of UNICEF, Dan Bodey, National Maritime Operations Centre (NMOC) and its medical provider.

We will provide further updates when we have them.