Belgian Rower Rescued in Atlantic After Boat Capsizes During Grueling Race
PUERTO RICO – A Belgian rower participating in the “World’s Toughest Row” race was dramatically rescued from the Atlantic Ocean east of Puerto Rico Wednesday night after his single-person vessel capsized in rough seas. Benoit Bourguet, 47, was reported to be dehydrated but in good health following the ordeal, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Bourguet was attempting the 3,000-mile trans-Atlantic row from San Sebastian de la Gomera, Spain, to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua when his boat, the City of Liverpool, was struck by two rogue waves in 13- to 15-foot seas. He was forced to deploy his life raft and attach it to the capsized vessel.
The Coast Guard Sector San Juan Command Center received an unregistered Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) signal at approximately 2 a.m. Wednesday, pinpointing a possible distress situation roughly 1,100 nautical miles east of Puerto Rico. A second distress signal from a personal locating beacon further confirmed the emergency.
Following protocol, watchstanders contacted race safety coordinators, who confirmed they had been unable to reach Bourguet after repeated attempts. An Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) call was issued, alerting ships in the vicinity. The 1,092-foot tanker Horten, en route from Germany to Guyana, responded to the call and diverted its course for over 12 hours, traveling approximately 110 miles to reach the distressed rower.
“We are very proud of the seamless coordination between our Sector San Juan Command Center watchstanders and the courageous crew and captain of the motor tanker Horten, which resulted in the successful rescue of a mariner,” said Lt. Kenneth Snyder, Coast Guard Sector San Juan mission coordinator.
The Horten crew located Bourguet’s life raft and, despite the challenging sea conditions, safely recovered him using a life ring. The Coast Guard confirmed Bourguet had been in distress for approximately 24 hours, remaining with his capsized boat tethered to his life raft until help arrived.
The World’s Toughest Row, known for its extreme physical and mental demands, attracts experienced rowers from around the globe. The race tests participants’ endurance and navigational skills across vast stretches of open ocean. The AMVER program, praised by the Coast Guard, highlights the importance of international maritime cooperation in search and rescue operations. The program relies on voluntary participation from vessels, significantly expanding the reach of rescue capabilities.
Bourguet’s support team shared an update on his Facebook page, confirming his safety. “Many of you are concerned, rightly so, but we’re happy to report that Ben is okay,” the post read. “He will have a long story to tell when he returns!”
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with solo ocean rowing, even for seasoned athletes. While the Coast Guard confirmed no other racers were currently reporting distress, the rescue serves as a stark reminder of the power of the ocean and the critical role of emergency preparedness and international collaboration.