SANTIAGO, Chile – The Chilean navy has launched a search-and-rescue operation for a California sailor adrift off the tip of South America while trying to circumnavigate the globe, officials said Wednesday.
Ken Barnes of Newport Beach, Calif., set off from Long Beach on Oct. 28 in a 44-foot ketch called the Privateer in hopes of sailing around the world. His longtime girlfriend, Cathy Chambers, said he called her Tuesday on his satellite phone to say he was in trouble.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Chilean maritime officials also picked up signals from Barnes’ distress beacon Tuesday afternoon and believe he is about 500 miles off the Pacific coast of Chile.
Barnes, 47, told Chambers he had lost engine power and steering and had two broken masts and broken hatches, she said. The Privateer was also taking on water in 46 mph winds and 25-foot swells, he reported.
A Chilean navy search aircraft flew over the area where the Barnes’ disabled yacht is believed to be, but clouds and rain made visibility poor, navy press officer Paula Paredes said from Punta Arenas.
Weather conditions in the area were expected to improve today.
Paredes said Barnes “is alive and well and keeping satellite telephone contact with relatives in California.”
According to Barnes’ Web site, www.kensolo.com, he continued “to ride out the storm with disabled Privateer” on Wednesday and expected the Chilean navy to bring communication and support equipment.
Chambers said Barnes has called her several times since, for no more than a minute each time.
“We need someone out there right away to get to him. He has supplies but I don’t know how many of them are good and how many aren’t because now there’s water in the boat,” said Chambers, who was keeping vigil in their home with Barnes’ family.
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