A British-Canadian couple tragically lost their lives while undertaking a transatlantic journey. Brett Clibbery, 70, and his wife Sarah Packwood, 60, were found in a lifeboat on Sable Island, off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that, although DNA testing is still needed for confirmation, the details of the discovery match the couple, including their descriptions and ages.
The pair had set sail from Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 11, aiming to reach the Azores, a group of Portuguese islands located about 3,218 kilometers away in the Atlantic Ocean. However, they were reported missing on June 18, and their bodies were discovered nearly a month later, on July 10. The circumstances that led them to abandon their eco-friendly vessel, the SV Theros, and enter a lifeboat remain unclear. One theory being investigated is that they might have collided with a cargo ship, causing them to flee the damaged boat.
According to reports from Canadian media outlet Saltwire, search efforts by both the Canadian Coast Guard and military aircraft have failed to uncover any wreckage or signals pertaining to their vessel. Sable Island is notorious for its treacherous maritime conditions and has been the site of over 350 shipwrecks since 1583, as noted by the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. This 43-kilometer long sandbank lies approximately 290 kilometers southeast of Halifax.
Brett’s son, James Clibbery, shared a heartfelt tribute to his father and Packwood on Facebook, stating, “They were amazing people, and nothing can fill the void left by their inexplicable deaths.” He reminisced about their wisdom and kindness, expressing how much he misses their smiles and voices.
The couple was known for documenting their adventures on their YouTube channel and Facebook account, both titled Theros Adventures. Their most recent endeavor, titled the “Green Odyssey,” aimed to demonstrate the possibility of traveling long distances without burning fossil fuels, relying instead on electric power for their boat.
Brett and Sarah met in 2015 at a bus stop in London while Brett was there donating a kidney to his sister. They married in 2016 on a yacht, and since then, their journey encompassed navigating down the west coast of Canada and the United States, crossing the Panama Canal, and returning to Nova Scotia. Their Atlantic crossing was paused in June 2019 due to a storm warning.
Their last Facebook update on June 11 excitedly announced their departure on the second leg of the adventure aboard their 42-foot GibSea sailboat, Theros, stating they were setting sail “with the wind and sun towards the east, headed for the Azores.” As the investigation continues, the sailing community and followers of Clibbery and Packwood are holding onto the couple’s cherished memories and lessons, ensuring their adventurous spirit and commitment to sustainable travel are never forgotten.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/america/mundo/2024/07/23/encontraron-muertos-en-un-bote-salvavidas-a-una-pareja-que-llevaba-un-mes-desaparecida-en-el-atlantico/
