Horror as two sailors found lifeless on board yacht after suspected ‘pirate assault’
Two friends on the ‘adventure of a lifetime’ have been found dead on a yacht off the coast of South Africa after a suspected pirate attack, authorities had responded to a distressing call
Aussie sailor Deirdre “Cookie” Sibly, 67, and her French friend Pascal were having the time of their lives, sailing the Indian Sea since June, when their adventure came to an abrupt and tragic end last week in an area notorious for pirates.
The two sailors were found dead on their yacht after authorities responded to a distress call sent on Thursday (November 27) off the coast of South Africa.
How they died is still a mystery but police are said to be following the theory of a pirate attack. Sibly’s sister, Sue Good, said that Mozambique Channel “isn’t a very safe place in the world to be sailing” and that her sister “knew that”
Sue told 9News: “They’ve been on the adventure of a lifetime and she was having the time of her life. 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?” Sibly’s family fear pirates may have killed the intrepid duo as sea robbers are known to operate in the area where the pair issued their distress signal.
The Aussie sailor, dubbed the “ultimate adventurer” by friends, had been sailing across the Indian Ocean since June. She had met up with Frenchman Pascal on Reunion Island that same month as the duo set sail down the Mozambique Channel, heading for Durban, a coastal city in South Africa.
However, the pair ran into trouble in the notoriously dangerous channel near to Madagascar. The channel is feared for treacherous sea conditions as the Agulhas Current can create powerful rogue waves.
It’s also known as “Cyclone Alley” for its lethal storms. The sailors sent a panicked call for help on Thursday.
Subsequently, several police boats rushed to the yacht. Sadly, both were found dead inside.
Their cause of death remains unclear and investigations continue. The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to link the deaths to piracy.
Sibly was an experienced sailor who had been travelling the world for decades. She often sailed with her husband Colin before he died from cancer in 2019.
Tributes for the Aussie have flooded in since her death was announced. Close friend Sarah Mack said: “Cook never let the grass grow under her feet.
“She took all life had to offer and ran toward every opportunity with unbridled energy, joy and enthusiasm to explore, to learn and most importantly, to have fun. The most excellent bonus mum, passionate teacher, ocean advocate and seasoned sailor.
“I loved every second I spent with her. Thank you for all that you have been to me in this life.
“I’ll miss you both for always and see you in the waves, the sunsets and the creatures of the sea.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
