A Dubai couple's maritime adventure along the Indian Ocean took an unexpected turn after they found themselves stranded at sea for 12 days.
Dacey Calisura and Jethro Friggens embarked on a 25-day voyage aboard their privately-owned boat, Freya, to the United Arab Emirates.
However, their journey turned into a terrible experience as they faced harrowing challenges in the open waters.
Battling through storms and unpredictable weather, the couple navigated treacherous waters that demanded courage and unwavering determination.
Narrating their ordeal to Khaleej Times, the couple recounted the gripping moments that tested their mettle, leaving them forever grateful to a group of fishermen who came to their rescue.
The couple's journey to Kenya began with a desire to own a sailboat. They searched for boats in Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom but had no luck.
However, their quest led them to Kenya, where they found a boat named Freya. They decided to make Kenya their holiday destination and embarked on their sailing adventure on July 15. Prior to setting sail, they took the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
"We informed coastguards in several places about our trip," Dacey said. "This is usually to ensure our safety in case of pirate attacks or adverse weather conditions."
Fortunately, the weather was favorable during the ten-day voyage, allowing them to sail smoothly. The only challenge was the absence of an autopilot on the yacht, which meant that someone had to be at the helm, steering the sailboat round the clock.
On July 26, the couple faced a harrowing situation when their steering wheel broke, leaving them helpless and at the mercy of the sea. Even the emergency steering system failed against the force of the wind, resulting in the loss of their cargo to the relentless waves.
Desperate for assistance, the crew sent distress signals to coastguards, but unfortunately, no help arrived. The surrounding vessels were only oil tankers and cargo ships, unable to provide the much-needed aid.
"They could not help us in any way because if they come close to us, they will crush us,” Dacey, a sailing instructor, pointed out.
Throughout the twelve-day ordeal, the couple hardly slept, haunted by the sound of waves and the uncertainty of their fate. However, their hope was reignited when a group of brave fishermen from Yemen spotted them in a dhow boat.
“I will never forget that feeling of hope I had when I saw them,” she said adding that they tied the Freya to their own boat to lead them to the nearby shores.
The fishermen risked their own lives to rescue the distressed couple, leading to a tumultuous 24-hour journey before finally reaching the safety of the shore. Despite the terrifying experience, the couple expressed immense gratitude to their saviors, acknowledging the fishermen's heroic efforts.
Now, with the rescue behind them, the couple eagerly anticipates returning home on August 6, grateful for a second chance at life.
