Day 2 of the 56th Antigua Sailing Week turned unexpectedly dramatic when six young Antiguan sailors on S/Y Challenger from the National Sailing Academy found themselves in serious trouble at sea — and were  rescued thanks to the quick action of Maurice Belgrave of Maurice Underwater Services and the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) team.

It all began like any other race day, with excitement in the air and the Antiguan flag flying proudly. Maurice Belgrave was on the water, standing by — as he does each race day — “waiting for what happens.” What happened, it turns out, was a textbook case of why every regatta needs its Maurice and ABSAR close at hand!

A sudden Mayday call crackled over the radio. A National Sailing Academy boat, carrying six young Antiguans, had suffered a steering failure, sprung a large hole in the stern, and was taking on water rapidly amid big Atlantic swells.

“I got to the scene before ABSAR,” Maurice recounted, still sounding slightly breathless from the day’s events. “When I got there — horrific sight — a big hole in the back of the boat, water pouring in, big squalls, big swells. It was going down.”

Quick-thinking and faster-moving, Maurice maneuvered alongside and brought all six sailors aboard his vessel, ensuring everyone was safe before turning his attention back to the wounded yacht.

Armed only with creativity, bravery, and — somewhat incredibly — a scuba diving suit, Maurice leapt into action. “The only thing I had was my scuba suit,” he said, chuckling. “I stuffed it into the hole to slow the water coming in. Save the day, you know?”

But the drama wasn’t over yet. As Maurice began towing the damaged boat toward shore, disaster struck again — the mast came crashing down. Unfazed, he dove into the churning seas, swam a towline over, and hauled himself back onto the boat to secure everything once more.

One young sailor suffering from severe seasickness was transferred ashore first. Meanwhile, the battered yacht was safely towed to Sam Boat Yard after a few quick phone calls and some on-the-fly crisis management.

By the day’s end, the boat was out of the water, the young sailors were safe, and Maurice was back to doing what he loves. “Every day, I come out, I mark the races, I stand by. This is my passion,” he said with a warm grin. “Saving lives is always on the agenda.” Race Manager Jamie Torres gave a special mention to Maurice Belgrave during the day’s prize-giving ceremony, earning cheers and applause from the crowd. Reflecting on the young sailors’ ordeal, Torres remarked that they “we’re not having a good day.”

Sailing Week may be known for its thrills, but thanks to heroes like Maurice and the ABSAR team, even the scariest moments can end well. As Maurice put it best:

“All is well that ends well.”