UPDATE: Hopes dashed as families lose hull again

FAMILIES of the three missing yachtsmen were devastated yesterday when they learned that the search for the hull was called off at 7.30pm following the absence of aerial support.

Storme Robertson posted on the Searching for Anthony, Reg and Jaryd Facebook page late yesterday: “To all our loyal followers, family and friends. We are devastated to inform you all that we have been told that, in the absence of aerial support, the search for the hull was called off at 7:30pm today.

We have so many unanswered questions and are as confused as you about the salvage operation – and whether the hull broke up and sank or if she is still adrift.”

She added that Captain Duse, master of the Peridot, reported to SAMSA a loss of buoyancy due to the towing, causing a ‘porpoising’ effect, which means the hull was submerged just below the surface of the water with only the rudder and keels breaking the surface at times until she then ‘slipped the tow’.

“Given the difficulty in spotting the hull in this condition from another boat, the master has recommended an aerial search as the best chance of finding the drifting hull. As of now, we have not heard from the authorities or the boat owners as to their action plan regarding this.

“We are shattered. We are broken. We are losing our loved ones – not just once but over and over again. Each time our hopes of answers are crushed. But we stand firm together, as a united family group, and with all of you, and we will keep going and keep pushing to find that hull and bring her home.”

On a positive note, the families of Anthony Murray (58), formerly from Cowies Hill, and two crew members, Reginald (Reg) Robertson (60) and Jaryd Payne (20), have now successfully set up a South African Trust Fund to urgently help aid the expenses of the search once again – for the missing hull and the other legal expenses that they have incurred over the year and since 18 January.

“This could be our only chance of securing the all-important air search that is needed to possibly spot the hull so that the Peridot or another salvage vessel can complete its imperative task of bringing her to port for a full forensic investigation and for us to find a little peace in our hearts. Please, if you can kindly donate any amount, we would be so humbled and sincerely grateful for your help. Should we not use all the funds, the remainder will be put to use for the betterment and safety of working sailors around the world,” said Robertson.

The details of the Murray/Robertson/Payne Salvage Trust are: Standard Bank, Rosetta Road branch, account name: The M R and P Salvage Trust, account number: 051 456 265, branch code: 042 726, swift code: SBZAZA JJ.

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