The earthquake in Chile has caused the coast of South and Central America, including Panama and the Perlas Islands where the rally is currently located, to issue tsunami warnings.  Members of the fleet in Las Perlas have said they are all safe and were preparing to head offshore before the possible tsunami could strike.  These yachts included: Blue Magic, Lucy Alice, Camomile, Bionic, Briet, Bali Blue, Raylah, Chsalonina.  At the same time, Natibou, which is still in Balboa, has confirmed that she is also heading out to sea for the critical period.

The critical time is between 1400 and 1500 GMT (i.e. 0900 – 1000 Panama time).  Thanks to an early alert from a friend of Fai Tira, Blue Water Rally in UK were able to verify facts and get the message out by email and ‘phone calls to a number of yachts in the fleet, and they in turn have passed the message around.  In the 2004 tsunami, in Thailand, those rally yachts which were at sea did not notice the passing of the tsunami wave; those at anchor suffered some very severe waves, but did not incur any serious damage or injury.  The damage largely occurred ashore.  This time, we have been able to get the message out swiftly, and whilst most yachts were just waking after a night's sleep.  So, they should be able to take precautionary measures in time.  We will post more news when it is available.

UPDATE 1.  27th 1330z:

We have heard that Natibou, Miss Tippy, Enchantress, Gaultine and Island Kea have all moved to safe water from La Playita in Balboa; we believe the word has been passed around the whole fleet.

UPDATE 2. 27th 1600z:

Just in from Aqualuna:

"Many thanks for the warning. We have gone to sea but are pleased to report no sign of any problems yet (1000 local). Have just spoken to David on Roundabout and they similarly have noticed nothing. Better safe than sorry!"

UPDATE 3. 27th 1645z:

It looks as if all yachts are safe and that it was a non-event in Panama.  The following came from Lorrigray (who was in La Playita) a few minutes ago:

"All the yachts in the anchorage raised anchor and moved well out to sea, where at the forecast time, we saw nothing. It was quite a sight seeing 50 odd yachts all leaving at the same time.  All is well on board."

and this from Camomile in Las Perlas:

"We all headed out to sea as soon as we got your message but we have sat here for several hours now and all seems ok.  We had one little drama, Scot Free were rushing to get their anchor up and ended up on a reef.  Peter - Peregrina and John S of N went to their aid and they managed to get off.  A lot of the boats had been together for Mark's birthday yesterday so we were able to alert most of the boats."