![Commander Abhilash Tomy in his boat [Photo source: Golden Globe Race]](https://img.theweek.in/content/dam/week/news/sports/2021/March/abhilash-tomy-boat.jpg "Commander Abhilash Tomy in his boat [Photo source: Golden Globe Race]")
Ace sailor Commander Abhilash Tomy's boat Rustler 36 Bayanat collided with a Dutch ship during the SITraN Challenge race on Monday. The collision took place around 120 nautical miles from Gijon, Spain at Indian time 2.21 pm.
Tomy, a retired Navy officer, was inside the boat while two crew members were on the deck when the accident happened. All three are safe and have resumed sailing, said a statement issued by Golden Globe Race.
“GGR race control was notified today at 8:51 UTC by Abhilash Tomy that his Rustler 36 Bayanat had a collision with the Dutch flagged carrier ROTRA VENTE approximately 120 nm from Gijon, Spain, position N55.4’/W3.55’ while completing the SITraN Challenge to Les Sables d’Olonne, France,” it said.
Tomy's boat has been in radio contact with the Dutch ship which was released at 11.30 UTC (5 pm IST). The vessel suffered minor damage to the bow and jib roller furler and was not taking water.
The statement said Tomy has resumed sailing towards Les Sables d’Olonne, where he is expected to reach in the next 24 hours. “Weather and sea conditions are mild with 13 knots of westerly winds, and less than 1-meter seas,” it said.
The SITraN Challenge is a 240 nm rally between Gijon and Les Sables d’Olonne and has racing rules. Fifteen boats are participating in the race and are sailed either solo or fully crewed.
