The U.S. Coast Guard reported yesterday and rally organizer Hank Schmitt confirmed to me in a phone conversation this morning that Jan Anderson, wife of Rob Anderson, has been lost overboard from Triple Stars, an Island Packet 38, approximately 285 miles northwest of Bermuda. According to the Coast Guard report, an EPIRB assigned to Triple Stars was ignited at 1339 hours yesterday, followed five minutes later by a radio call from Rob Anderson stating that Jan had been swept overboard by a 30-foot wave. A commercial vessel, High Jupiter, was diverted to the scene to search for Jan and also took Rob off of Triple Stars. According to Hank, the boat has been abandoned and it is unlikely that Jan will be recovered alive.
As was reported here yesterday, Triple Stars was participating in the North American Rally to the Caribbean (NARC), which departed Newport on November 1. Rob and Jan Anderson, who had been cruising the boat together since 2007, were the only crew aboard. The boat had reportedly suffered autopilot problems and, according to Hank, who has run the NARC rally for the past 12 years, there was also a problem with the mainsail.
Hank expressed great regret at the loss and told me he hoped there would be an investigation into the incident.
“They were 10 days out of Newport and could have been here in Bermuda several days ago,” he said.
Rob and Jan were receiving and following advice from volunteer weather-router Herb Hilgenberg. As is documented in their blog, as of November 6 they believed that their decision to stay north of the island during the strong weather of the past week was warranted.
UPDATE: The Coast Guard reports they suspended their search for Jan Anderson this afternoon.
What an awful piece of news, deepest sympathy to Rob and family.
We and many others in Port Clyde are praying for you. Love The Cody Family
We and many others in Port Clyde are praying for you.
A true tragedy. I’m at a loss for words upon reading this. I’m filled with sadness reading how the hope and joy in life is taken.
I didn’t know Jan well but always enjoyed talking with her at the Port Clyde General store
Jan is a coworker of mine at Port Clyde General Store…her family is in our thoughts and prayers..
I am deeply saddened to hear this. A lovely, smiling, happy with life woman.
We have lost a very special lady, who had a wonderful spirit. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Rob and her family.
We have lost a wonderful lady, what a ray of sunshine. My thougths and prayers go out to Rob and his family. Jan will be deeply missed, what a tragic loss…I will always remember her smile……
This tragedy has been broadcast to all of us out on the west coast who are friends with the Andersons. We all want to help in anyway we can, and are thinking of Rob and Kristen.
May God Bless you Jan. We have lost a very special person. Rob & Kristen our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you Jan. You are a wonderful peoson and soul. Kristen and Rob our thoughts and prayers are with you.
This tragic news of Jan, our friend and co-worker, comes as such a shock. Rob and Kristen-please know our love, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wow what a terrible terrible loss. Jan was a neigbor for years as well as a wonderful lady who worked at my elementary school. This is so tragic to hear, they were such a sweet caring family. God bless the Anderson family, and may they find peace in their own way and may God give them strength.
I remember growing up around Jan she was always so warm-spirited and friendly as a staff member at my elementary school, as well as a neighbor. This is such a tragic loss and my heart really goes out to the Anderson family, may God keep a close eye and give your family the courage and strength needed to move forward. My condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers for the family of Jan. A chance meeting four years ago brought us the pleasure of meeting Jan and Rob. We have never forgotten her kindness and lovely spirit.
The prayers of the Port Clyde Baptist Church are with you and the family as this tragedy unfolds. Love in Christ,
Pastor Stephen and all at Port Clyde.
I was so sad to learn of Jan’s accident. Thoughts and prayers to the Anderson Family.
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Jan Anderson. She was always cheerful and happy. Although I didn’t know her long, I am fortunate to have known her at all. She will be missed.
My dearest sympathies go out to Rob and his family.
We miss you Mommy Jan. Love Rachel, Andrea, Hilary and Teresa.
Our sorrow is beyond words. We looked forward to many years of get-togethers, reminiscing about the wonderful experiences we shared during the year we sailed together. Jan and Rob have been like family to us. I hope he knows we are here for him, and for Kristen, ALWAYS.
Rob and Kristen, My thoughts and prayers are with and for you. Jan was always such a wonderful, cheerful personality in our office at MV. We all missed her when she left on this adventure. May you be blessed with many warm memories.
Hi, I am the senior reporter for Soundings boating magazine (www.soundingsonline) and would like to interview Kristen about her parents and what happened — and provide an opportunity for her to tell us about Jan.
Any information about how to reach Kristen would be appreciated. My email is chris.soundings@gmail.com
Sincerely, Chris Landry
We are so sadden to hear of your tragic loss. Jan always brought a sparkle of energy with her.Such a wonderful lady. We all here @ Ocean Pursuits send you and family members our deepest sympathies and are holding you close in thought.
Rob and Jan were one of the first ISU couples to marry in our group of friends. Many moments from that time of our lives will live on in our hearts! We mourn the loss and all that surrounds it. Rob and Kristin, we love and support you always.
Rob and Kristen-
Jeffrey and I are thinking of you and sending you our love. Your family took good care of us while we were in Rohnert Park.
We Love You.
As many have said…Jan’s smile…it will be missed, and her true enthusiasm when she saw my children…always giving them treats from the store…we all miss her and always will…never to be forgotten.
Dearest CalFire Kristin:
We are so sad and sorry about the accident involving your folks–what a horrid experience. If your mum was anything like you, she was a beautiful person. You obviously have her endearing smile. If there is anything that we can do to help out, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail. Much Love, Mike and Barbara
May she come to a safe harbour, a green shore and a tight berthing. Too soon an ending to her, entirely.
I along with others are truly saddened by the accident. I did not know Jan, but for those that did it should be a time to remember all the good times with her. It should also be used as a learning experience. What went wrong? How could it have been prevented? Did a harness or tether fail?
@Marcus: What I’ve heard, but have not been able to confirm, is that Jan had just come up the companionway and was about to clip in when the boat got rolled by a huge wave and she went overboard. Truly a horrible piece of luck if it is true.
Rob and Kristen,
John and I just cannot believe the news we have read about Jan!
Looks like “Triple Stars” has been located: http://bernews.com/2012/03/abandoned-yacht-found-adrift/
Sad story, indeed.
Rob,
I just heard about the accident and my heart goes out to you. I know what Jan meant to you, keep your chin up bud your in my thoughts.
Mike