Triumphant Cape2Rio sailing vessel sinks after dismasting, crew rescued

THE crew aboard the triumphant 2025 Cape2Rio sailing vessel Angel Wings was safely rescued after the vessel suffered a dismasting approximately 900 miles South-East of Rio de Janeiro, on their return passage to Cape Town. 

The Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) confirmed the incident shortly after 2:30am yesterday.

“Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre South Africa (MRCC) was contacted, and together with co-ordination through the MRCC Brazil, resulting in the diversion of a bulk carrier, the Motor Vessel (MV) Bryant to assist and standby.”

“The decision to abandon Angel Wings was made in consultation with the Master of the MV Bryant, considering the complete loss of all spars that could have been used to set up a jury rig and deteriorating weather conditions, (20-25kts with 4-5m waves),” the RCYC said.

The distance from safe harbour and the notorious unpredictability of the South Atlantic weather led to the final call of crew uplift and vessel abandonment.

“Angel Wings sank after the safe rescue of the crew to the MV Bryant. All three crew, Sibusiso Sizatu, Tshepo Renaldo Mohale and Andrea Myburg, are now safely on board MV Bryant. Family of all the crew have been advised of the incident and their safe rescue.”

The MV Bryant's destination is Singapore, with an estimated time of arrival on March 2, with the crew returning to Cape Town thereafter.

“We thank the MRCC South Africa and Brazil for their prompt and efficient assistance, as well as the Master, crew and owners of the MV Bryant for their professional assistance.”

Alexforbes Angel Wings, a youth team with sailors from the Cape Flats representing the RCYC Sailing Academy made history recently by becoming the first team to claim the top spot on handicap in the 2025 Cape2Rio race and take victory in the 3,300-nautical mile transatlantic crossing. 

The crew, led by Skipper Sizatu and First Mate Mohale, included Philasande Gwala, Sesona Ntsaluba and Yonela Temela, with reserve sailor Yobanathi Klaas supporting the team throughout training and preparation. The three women on board had never crossed the Atlantic before, making this achievement even more remarkable.

However the road to the top was not smooth sailing, having faced a major setback when the boom broke during a sailing manoeuvre mid-Atlantic on January 10. As a critical component of the rig, its failure placed the crew in a severely compromised position and would typically force retirement from a race of this nature. Faced with that reality, the team made the decision to continue, racing without a boom and spinnaker – the large, balloon-like sail used to maximise downwind speed.

Despite the damage, Alexforbes Angel Wings not only remained competitive but extended their 25-hour lead by several hours, arriving in Rio, Brazil ahead of their expected finish time – a feat rarely seen in offshore racing at this level.

Cape Times