The "Sur la route de Gerry Roufs" Association
Latest News concerning the Search and Rescue Operations
- 1st September 1997:
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A small team flies to Chili to try and find the Groupe LG. For more details, see the Sail-Online site. (Note that this site also features a discussion forum of about a hundred messages about Gerry.)
- 28th August 1997:
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Gerry Roufs' boat is officially identified by experts and his wife, based on its markings and distinctive anti-fouling (under-water paint) as they appeared on pictures taken by a Chilian air patrol. For more info, consult the latest dispatch from Agence France Presse.
- 21st August 1997:
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Thanks to the precious collaboration of the Chilian Ambassy in Paris, the Minist�re des Affaires �trang�res et du Commerce in Ottawa, Canada and of the Ambassadors of Canada in Paris and Santiago, the
Association "Sur la route de Gerry Roufs" and the Soci�t� Groupe LG are being informed of the important search currently underway by the Chilian naval forces.
Ths Association, after distributing pictures and descriptions of the boat among professional users of the Chilian coastal area, is filled with a real sense of hope. It is currently trying to assemble a small team of specialists ready to join South America to investigate further.
- 19th July 1997:
- A ship from the Chilian Navy, helped by a plane arrives in the zone. After four days of bad weather, the search is called off.
The Chilian Research Services are on alert from then on.
- 18th July 1997, at 2:30 p.m.:
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A maritime patrol aircraft identifies the boat by the inscriptions "Groupe LG" on the hull and keel. No trace of damage can be seen and the overturned boat still has an important buoyancy.
- 16th July 1997:
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The boat Groupe LG, lost at sea in January during the Vend�e Globe race, is sighted by a Panamenean cargo off the coast of Chili. The Chilian Navy immediately launch a search and rescue operation.
- 8th January 1997:
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The Groupe LG's Argos beacon ceases to transmit. The last known position of the boat is 55S by 124W.
- From 3rd November 1996 to 8th January 1997:
- See Gerry's log, sent directly to the Newspaper Voir (in french).
- 3rd November 1996:
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Start of the Vend�e Globe race.