According to the New York Post, two seasoned sailors – one from Australia and another from France – have died in mysterious circumstances while on the ‘trip of a lifetime’.
The report states that Deirdre “Cookie” Sibly and her sailing companion Pascal were sailing near Madagascar, not far from the coast of South Africa, when they issued a distress signal last week.
When authorities reached the yacht, the couple were tragically found dead on board, and an investigation into the mysterious circumstances is now underway. However, there has been a report that a pirate attack is suspected.
Sailors found dead off the coast of South Africa were on a special trip
The two sailors were said to have met at Reunion Island in June and were sailing down the Mozambique Channel, heading for Durban.
“She was a very adventurous, outdoor soul. Her whole life revolved around the sea and yachts,” Sibly’s sister Sue Good told 9News.
“They’ve been on the adventure of a lifetime and she was having the time of her life,” Ms. Good said.
“We only know that they were found deceased on the yacht – we don’t know anything about how that happened.”
“How could this happen to two happy people doing what they loved?”
Investigation underway
Police are reportedly following the theory of a pirate attack, though the Department of Foreign Affairs has not yet officially linked the deaths to piracy.
The incident occurred in the Mozambique Channel, a stretch of water near Madagascar and the southeast African coastline. This area is known for challenging conditions, including rogue waves, cyclones, and a history of piracy.
Known by friends as the “ultimate adventurer,” Sibly was an experienced sailor who had been traveling the world for decades.
*This is a developing story and more information will be posted on TheSouthAfrican as it becomes available
