Sailor Leverages Iridium Phone for
Rescue at Sea

Etienne Giroire uses his Iridium phone to call for help after capsizing during the Route du Rhum.

Route du Rhum

“While participating in the 2010 Route du Rhum race, my boat capsized in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 900 miles from the Azores islands, and the Iridium phone was my only communications link to call for help.”

Etienne Giroire, Veteran Sailor

  • The Challenge
  • Etienne Giroire embarked on a transatlantic single-handed yacht race between Saint Malo, Brittany, France and Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France.
  • Giroire capsized his multihull trimaran on day 14 of the race, requiring quick decisions to ensure his return to safety.
  • The Solution
  • After the boat capsized, Giroire was able to locate a “ditch bag” containing survival necessities, including an Iridium 9555 satellite phone. Giroire was able to call the Route du Rhum race director, who then notified rescue services.
  • View the interview about the rescue operation.

The Impact

Within a few hours of making the call, Giroire was safely rescued by the crew of the CMA-CGM Fort St Georges, a 200-meter long container ship. Once aboard, Giroire was able to notify his family and friends that he was safe. Giroire returned safely from the race, and Iridium won a lifelong devotee.

“Out at sea, my Iridium 9555 handset is the first thing I turn on to get in touch with the rest of the world, for voice and email. I am a fan for life,” said Giroire. “My Iridium phone worked flawlessly 900 miles out at sea. I wouldn’t sail without it!”

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Iridium Connected - Sailor Leverages Iridium Phone for Rescue at Sea
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November 2011