Cape to Rio champions rescued by SA Navy after yacht sinks in Atlantic
Delighted to be back home safely, the crew of the yacht, Sailing Vessel Angel Wings are (from left) Renaldo Mohale, Andrea Myburgh and skipper Sibusiso Sizatu.
Image: supplied
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, February 11, approximately 63 nautical miles off Cape Point.
The three sailors were safely transferred and arrived at Naval Base Simon’s Town on Thursday morning, February 12, where they were reunited with members of the Royal Cape Yacht Club in scenes of relief and gratitude.
Emotional scenes on board the tug boat who brought the crew ashore Naval Base Simon’s Town.
Image: supplied
The crew – skipper Sibusiso Sizatu and Renaldo Mohale, both from Masiphumelele, 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, February 2, approximately 110 nautical miles off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
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.
Senior Naval Officers with members of the Royal Cape Yacht Club and the crew.
Image: supplied
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 (MRCC),” said Sizatu.
It was established through satellite tracking systems 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. 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.
Upon arrival in Simon’s Town, the crew said they were eager to reunite with their families after the ordeal.