Visit of the Yacht Ursa
Report and photo from Kelly Green
The Yacht Ursa arriving off the settlement
On 1st April 2025, Andy, Tristan’s dedicated radio operator, received an email from a friend of the skipper of the yacht Ursa, carrying news that had everyone listening closely.
The message explained that on March 25th, all communication with David, the skipper, had been lost. After 24 hours of radio silence, MRCC Uruguay was alerted. Thankfully, a passing bulk carrier, Corella Arrow, was able to establish contact and confirm that David and Ursa were safe and well. His satellite communications had failed, but he was continuing his journey toward Tristan da Cunha.
His estimated time of arrival was given as April 2nd, likely in the morning—weather permitting.
That evening, we also received a heartfelt message from David’s partner, echoing the same information and in her words "trying not to make a fuss" ( who could blame her!) All local teams immediately stood by, ready to assist, and our community kept a collective watch toward the horizon.
April 2nd dawned stormy and grey. The sea was restless, and visibility was poor. Still, everyone kept hopeful eyes on the ocean. Late in the morning, just before lunch, the outline of a small white yacht, Ursa, was spotted bobbing back and forth in the waves. Relief swept through the island. She had made it.
Andy tried repeatedly to contact David by radio, but there was no response. We feared all his communication systems, including the VHF, might have failed. The Search and Rescue team made the decision to launch the RIB. Leon, Head of Search and Rescue, went out with a spare VHF and GPS, prepared for any need.
Just as the RIB launched, Andy finally made contact over VHF. David was safe and well. Andy was able to get vital information, including instructions for activating a new SIM card for his satellite phone, (this was then to be passed on to his partner in the UK). He also shared the island’s Wi-Fi code—an unexpected gift of connection. Within minutes, David was back in touch with his loved ones from aboard his boat. We can only imagine the joy that brought to his family and friends around the world.
After a few hours of reconnecting and sharing updates, David radioed to say his journey would continue. He expected to arrive in Cape Town in about two weeks.
As he sailed away, there was a deeply touching farewell between him and Andy — a moment of gratitude, respect, and shared humanity. David expressed his heartfelt thanks for the support and kindness shown by the island, a sentiment that was warmly returned.
We were all reminded that even in the remotest corners of the ocean, compassion and community still reach the furthest sails.