Tragic End to 'Trip of a Lifetime' for Australian Adventurer
A South Australian woman and her French travelling companion, who went missing while sailing off the coast of South Africa, are believed to have been found dead in what authorities describe as a tragic maritime incident.
Deirdre "Cookie" Sibly, a 67-year-old accomplished sailor from Port Lincoln, was reported missing in the treacherous waters between Mozambique and Madagascar along with her companion Pascal Mahe. The pair were sailing on a friend's yacht toward Durban, where they planned to fly home after what Sibly had described as her "trip of a lifetime."
Desperate Search and Recovery Mission
The nightmare began when a distress signal was issued from their vessel on Thursday, triggering an immediate response from French coast guards. They launched a comprehensive recovery mission with assistance from commercial ships operating in the area.
When authorities finally managed to board the boat, they made the grim discovery of what are believed to be the bodies of both Sibly and her French companion. The exact circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.
The Mozambique Channel, where the tragedy occurred, is notoriously dangerous for sailors. The area has long been known for pirate activity, with vessels along this popular shipping route frequently targeted by criminal elements.
Family's Heartbreak and Warning
Sibly's sister, Sue Good, spoke openly about the risks her sister had undertaken. "It isn't a very safe place in the world to be sailing. She knew that," Good told 7NEWS, highlighting her sister's awareness of the dangers.
In an emotional Facebook post, Good described her sister as having been on a "fabulous adventure with her companion Pascal for the last six months." She added, "We are devastated, she was such a brave, adventurous, wonderful sister."
The sailing community has been particularly shaken by the news, given Sibly's extensive experience and her late husband Colin's reputation as an accomplished sailor. Colin Sibly, who lost his battle with cancer in 2019, was also a life member of the Port Elliot Surf Life Saving Club.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been providing consular assistance to Sibly's family but cannot officially confirm her death while investigations continue. A DFAT spokesperson stated: "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian missing in the Mozambique channel. Our thoughts are with the family at this distressing time."
Friends and family now mourn the loss of a woman described as brave and adventurous, whose final journey ended in tragedy in one of the world's most dangerous sailing regions.
