Erwan Steff, Team Manager of Team Banque Populaire, gives an update on the situation following the capsizing of the Maxi Banque Populaire XI.

“This morning, at 5:30 a.m., we lost the boat’s position. Telemetry led us to believe it had capsized, which was later confirmed. We received news from Armel; everything is fine on board: he is inside the boat, he is dry, and he has food and water.

Race control informed us that an oil tanker is en route to him, which could take a few hours, but we are reassured about Armel’s condition and the ability to reach him.”

Phase 1: Successful Rescue of the Skipper

The rescue operation following the capsize—which occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, around 5:30 a.m.—was carried out with exceptional speed and success:
• Localization: Following the accident (caused by the breaking off of the port-side float), Armel Le Cléac’h immediately activated his emergency beacon. He remained safe and dry inside the central hull, where he had access to food and water supplies.
• Coordination: French rescue centers (CROSS Jobourg / CROSS Gris Nez) immediately began organizing the rescue in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard (MRCC Boston / USCG).
• Evacuation: A large tanker (a Panamax oil tanker) in the vicinity was diverted to the capsized vessel, located approximately 1,020 km northwest of the Azores. The crew successfully retrieved the skipper from the sea; he was found alive and uninjured.

Phase 2: Recovery and Salvage of the Vessel (Current Status)

Once Armel was safely aboard the tanker, the team’s focus shifted to the salvage of the vessel itself, which is valued at 10 million euros:
• Position Tracking: The technical team from Team Banque Populaire is continuously monitoring the satellite-tracked position of the capsized wreck.
• Logistics: The team is currently organizing the deployment of a specialized salvage vessel—equipped with mechanics and divers—to the site. • Recovery objective: The goal is to safely reach the massive carbon-fiber wreck, secure it against sinking, tow it to the nearest sheltered port (likely in the Azores), and there attempt to use cranes to turn it back upright.
The operation is complicated by the immense distance from the mainland and adverse weather conditions in the North Atlantic (waves of around 5 meters and strong winds).

Ultim Banque Populaire XI © Vincent Curutchet / BPCE

more info : https://www.routedurhum.com

by Voile Banque Populaire