Full Breakdown
Rower Rescued After Capsizing in World's Toughest Row Race
1/23/2026, 8:56:19 PM
Incident Overview
Benoit Bourguet, a 47-year-old Belgian citizen, was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard and the crew of the tanker Horten after his rowing vessel, the City of Liverpool, capsized during the World's Toughest Row Race. This race spans approximately 3,000 miles from Spain to Antigua. Bourguet reported being in distress for about 24 hours after his boat was overturned by two rogue waves, approximately 1,275 miles east of Puerto Rico.
Rescue Operation
The Coast Guard Sector San Juan Command Center received two emergency distress alerts from Bourguet's vessel on January 21, 2026. The first alert was recorded around 2 a.m., followed by a second signal from a personal beacon device. After confirming that Bourguet was part of the race, the Coast Guard reached out to race organizers, who had attempted to contact him without success.
A tanker named Horten, which was about 110 miles from the distress signal, was called to assist. The tanker, en route from Germany to Guyana, diverted its course and took over 12 hours to reach Bourguet's last known position. Throughout this time, Coast Guard officers maintained communication with the tanker crew. Upon arrival, the crew spotted Bourguet's life raft and successfully rescued him using a life ring. The Coast Guard reported that Bourguet was dehydrated but otherwise in good health.
Official Statements & Responses
The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of having a functional personal distress beacon that is properly registered with nautical authorities. Zodiac Maritime, the managing company of the Horten, expressed pride in their crew's professionalism and effective coordination with the Coast Guard, stating, "helped save a life."
Criticism & Opposition
While no other vessels in the World's Toughest Row Race were reported to be in distress, the incident raised concerns about safety measures in extreme maritime competitions. Critics may argue that the race organizers should enhance safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What's Next
Following the rescue, arrangements were made for Bourguet to be transferred from the Horten at a later time. The Coast Guard continues to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of other participants in the race.
Verbatim Quotes
- “immensely proud of our crew, whose professionalism, exemplary display of good seamanship in challenging circumstances and close coordination with the United States Coast Guard, helped save a life.” — Zodiac Maritime, Managing Company of Horten.
