We at Nordhavn are keeping the beloved Nordhavn 96 VivieRae II in our thoughts as she runs adrift in the Arafura Sea. Through no fault of the boat or crew, a line broke free from the 38-foot tender in tow – after the tender’s tow eye severed off due to very rough conditions – and unfortunately got tangled in the prop, which seized the engines. The crew are off the boat and safe; the owner is en route to Indonesia to begin efforts of getting VivieRae II running again.
Although the tender is lost, the very stout VivieRae II continues to survive. The challenge at hand is getting to the boat safely and freeing the prop while turbulent conditions persist. Nordhavn’s team, including VRII’s project manager have been standing by to provide support.
The crew and owner of VRII are highly experienced, capable adventurers. This was an unlikely, unfortunate accident and the boat’s engines did not “fail” as has been reported. We are confident that following a safe recovery, VivieRaeII will continue her life of adventure.