Abandoned Westsail 32 Free for Taking (Fiji, Pacific)

[Steadman Uhlich]

This post is to alert the CF community that a Westsail 32 was recently abandoned in the Pacific. The boat was "loaded for cruising" and the circumnavigating owner (Bill Shaw) has posted on Facebook (SSCA) that he wants someone to save the boat if possible, but that he will make no salvage claim so the finder keeps her.
In the owner's words: "you find it, its yours."

While this is a loss for the owner, he has made it clear in several posts that he is happy to be alive and headed to the USA for medical treatment and he wishes good luck on some sailor who finds his boat (which he says the finder can keep).

The boat was abandoned due to a medical emergency and according to the owner was in very good condition (not sinking). He wrote that the main and staysail were left up with the helm tied as the boat was HOVE TO while he was being rescued.

Last known position:
15 34.6S
177 33.1E
1900 Hours 6 OCT UTC
Winds East @20k

The location is northwest of Fiji.

I will post a couple of photos.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Location at the time of abandonment

[markwesti]

Bummer .

[Fiveslide]

Good luck to the sailor that was rescued, I hope this is something he can recover from and go on to dreams he may have shelved to do the cruising thing.

And good luck to people on the search.

Sent from my XT1080 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[donradcliffe]

If it had an AIS transponder, it would be easy to find.

[chouliha]

The AIS is still broadcasting. AIS signal picked up yesterday afternoon by satellite.

I would hope some fellow cruisers in Fiji would make an attempt to reach the boat and bring it back in for Bill. It's only 160 miles N of Vanuatu Levu. I know Bill said he is finished but the right thing to do is get the boat back safely and offer it back to Bill. Put yourself in his place.....

I was involved in the Comms side on the PAC Sea Net and spoke with Bill while awaiting rescue.

Check out Northland Radio Facebook page for more details

Chuck
Jacaranda
Tikeahau, French Polynesia



www.jacarandajourney.com

[msponer]

Is this being coordinated anywhere? I checked the FB page and don't see anything. I haven't been checking into the SSB or VHF nets.

We are in Fiji. We do not have enough people on board to split up and sail it back, but could potentially go looking and drop people off to take it back.

[chouliha]

I have a report from Northland Radio last night on the PAC Sea Net that a group of yachties are getting together and going to try and find Bills boat. Would try on the local SSB net for further details.

Chuck



www.jacarandajourney.com

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by chouliha

The AIS is still broadcasting. AIS signal picked up yesterday afternoon by satellite.

I would hope some fellow cruisers in Fiji would make an attempt to reach the boat and bring it back in for Bill. It's only 160 miles N of Vanuatu Levu. I know Bill said he is finished but the right thing to do is get the boat back safely and offer it back to Bill. Put yourself in his place.....

I was involved in the Comms side on the PAC Sea Net and spoke with Bill while awaiting rescue.

Check out Northland Radio Facebook page for more details

Chuck
Jacaranda
Tikeahau, French Polynesia



www.jacarandajourney.com

This would be my hope too. It's the right thing to do.

[JoeRuncer]

Good luck to everyone in getting Bill's boat back to Bill; and I hope Bill is having a speedy recovery!
Joe

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by chouliha

The AIS is still broadcasting. AIS signal picked up yesterday afternoon by satellite.

I would hope some fellow cruisers in Fiji would make an attempt to reach the boat and bring it back in for Bill. It's only 160 miles N of Vanuatu Levu. I know Bill said he is finished but the right thing to do is get the boat back safely and offer it back to Bill. Put yourself in his place.....

I was involved in the Comms side on the PAC Sea Net and spoke with Bill while awaiting rescue.

Check out Northland Radio Facebook page for more details

Chuck
Jacaranda
Tikeahau, French Polynesia



www.jacarandajourney.com

Yep, I agree. Wish I were in Fiji!

[Kenomac]

I'd give it back to Bill if found.

[chouliha]

Originally Posted by chouliha

I have a report from Northland Radio last night on the PAC Sea Net that a group of yachties are getting together and going to try and find Bills boat. Would try on the local SSB net for further details.

Chuck



www.jacarandajourney.com

A further clarification .... There was one individual contacting Northland Radio about possibly mounting an effort to find Bills boat. Note a group as I stated earlier.

Wish we were in Fiji to help Bill out.

Chuck



www.jacarandajourney.com

[four winds]

Best wishes to Bill on a return to good health. Any news on that?

Best of luck to the sailors setting out to find his boat.



Recalling the boat in the Bahamas that dragged off the bank and disappeared months ago, I wonder where that boat is now.

[zeehag]

he dropped the aluminum (bottomed?) dink on foot foot responded poorly to that and he got to shore in time to thank gods save his foot. that was the info i received via interwebzzz. he wrote a post somewhere i found and cannot remember where it is. could be sn, not certain.
i hope his foot is saved.
please take boat back to the man who had the unfortunate accident .