SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 30th March (EUROPA PRESS) –
The unfortunate news has emerged that Captain Javier Babé, the individual managing the journey of sailboat ‘La Peregrina’, has tragically passed away whilst partaking in the Retro Astrolabio crossing due to heart failure. The sailboat along with its crew set sail on 12th March from San Sebastián de La Gomera towards La Deseada, a tiny island situated in the southern Caribbean. The purpose of the journey was to traverse 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean and reach a specific predetermined point, solely using the equipment and tools available from the 17th century.
According to a report from the communication office of the Astrolabio Challenge, “at 4:00 a.m. (local time), positioned 420 miles east of Guadalupe Island, just three days away from their destination, Captain Javier Babé suffered a cardiac arrest and unfortunately passed away after 2:00 p.m. (local time) as a consequence of heart failure. When the cardiac episode occurred during the early hours of the morning, a decision was made to abandon the Astrolabe Challenge and seek assistance from Maritime Rescue, by using the ship’s satellite phone.
Onboard the vessel was Cardiologist Antonio Grandío, who was able to stabilize the captain and bring him back to consciousness. Subsequently, it was decided to evacuate the captain from the ship. Shortly after, an American cruiser made contact to establish a meeting point for the captain’s rescue. Unfortunately, it was during this crucial moment that Captain Javier Babé of ‘La Peregrina’ passed away.
The final wishes of Javier Babé were respected, and his body was consigned to the sea on Saturday afternoon, approximately 260 miles east of the French island of Guadeloupe. His body, enveloped in shrouds, was weighed down with the Almirantazgo Anchor, a poignant anchor typically displayed on the bow deck of ‘La Peregrina’.
During the ceremonial farewell, heartfelt condolences were expressed and cherished memories of Captain Javier Babé García were recollected amongst those present onboard ‘La Peregrina’. At the onset of the crisis that led to his demise, the modern navigation tools that the captain had relinquished for the Astrolabe Challenge were utilised. Following his passing, the positioning error was accounted for, revealing that after over 2,500 miles sailed, the miscalculation was just 2 miles south and 28 miles east.
Javier Babé’s wife, Cristina Gómez, has passed on the helm of the ship to Antonio Grandío, a trusted friend and doctor to Javier Babé. ‘La Peregrina’ is now voyaging towards Culebra, a small island in Puerto Rico, which had been a frequent destination for Javier Babé and Cristina Gómez during their numerous oceanic journeys.
Angélica Padilla, the mayor of San Sebastián de La Gomera, expressed deep sorrow over the untimely demise of Captain Javier Babé and extended her sympathies to his family and all members of the Astrolabe Challenge. Padilla reminisced, “During the days when sailboat ‘La Peregrina’ remained harboured in the port of San Sebastián de La Gomera, finalising technical and provisioning arrangements for their oceanic adventure, we had the gratification of meeting and interacting with Captain Javier Babé and his team.”
The mayor anticipated his return to pay tribute to his memory, as she reflected, “During those days, the respect we already had for the crew of the Astrolabe Challenge was enriched with a sense of camaraderie stemming from those shared moments.” She added, “For the San Sebastián City Council, the commencement of La Peregrina’s journey signified not just the start of an exhilarating maritime challenge, but also bidding farewell to a circle of new friends whom we aspired to witness achieve their dream.”
President of the Cabildo, Casimiro Curbelo, joined in expressing condolences for the loss of the captain of ‘La Peregrina’, extending sympathies to his loved ones and acquaintances. He also recollected a recent conversation they had regarding the challenge they were undertaking, to sail from Galicia to America post their departure from La Gomera.
