Tragedy in the Mozambique Channel: What Is Known About the Deaths of Sailors Deirdre Sibly and Pascal Mahe
1 December 2025 — International authorities are investigating the deaths of Australian sailor Deirdre Sibly , 67, and French sailor Pascal Mahe , who were found dead aboard their yacht in the Mozambique Channel after issuing a distress signal. Although the circumstances remain unclear, several key facts have been confirmed. Deirdre Sibly, an experienced sailor from Port Lincoln, South Australia, had been at sea for nearly four decades. She had been travelling for several months aboard the French-registered yacht Acteon , accompanied by French sailor Pascal Mahe. The two reportedly met on Réunion Island and had been planning a passage across the Indian Ocean. Their most recent route led them from Réunion towards Durban, South Africa , where Sibly intended to catch a flight back to Australia. The distress signal 🚨 #MAYDAY RELAY 🚨 Sailboat #ACTEON issued a DSC distress call on 26 Nov at 0430 UTC (17°05.00S / 040°05.00E). Two persons onboard, but no signs of life reported since. A...