Sail Training World Mourns the Loss of De Gallant

It is with great sadness that Sail Training International learned of the tragic sinking of the sail training vessel De Gallant on Tuesday 21st May.

The Gaff Schooner encountered an unexpected and violent storm around 20 miles north of Great Inagua, the southernmost island in the Bahamas, carrying cargo to Europe from Columbia. The passing storm caused the ship to begin taking on water and ultimately led to its sinking.

Thanks to the efforts of the US Coast Guard and Royal Bahamas Defence Force, six of the eight crew on board at the time were rescued after abandoning ship. However it was announced that two female members of the crew were unable to be found and confirmed lost after an extensive and exhaustive search across 3,700 square miles.

Although transporting cargo at the time of the incident, De Gallant had been a longtime member of the sail training family, having taken part in The Tall Ships Races as recently as 2018. Always embracing the core tenants of youth development through sail training, De Gallant became a regular participant and was able to deliver countless life-changing experiences for young people around the world for over 30 years.

This tragic loss reminds us all of the potential dangers of the sea and its ability to overcome even the safest of environments on board. It is always a truly sad moment to lose any life at sea, and our heartfelt condolences go out the families and crew of those who tragically lost their lives.

We join all affected by this tragic incident in thanking the rescue services for their tremendous efforts rescuing six members of the crew and exhaustive attempts to save those who were lost.