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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


On 26 November 2025, the yacht Acteon transmitted a distress signal while sailing through the Mozambique Channel, the stretch of ocean between Madagascar and mainland Africa.

A nearby commercial vessel received the emergency alert and reported it to the French authorities. Multiple ships attempted to establish radio contact with Acteon but were unsuccessful.

Discovery of the yacht and the bodies

The following day, two vessels — a cargo ship and a large private yacht — managed to reach the drifting Acteon. Crew members boarded the vessel and discovered two deceased individuals, identified by authorities as an adult man and woman.

Based on the yacht’s registration and the details of the voyage, investigators believe the bodies to be those of Deirdre Sibly and Pascal Mahe. However, a formal identification process is still required, and relatives have been informed that official confirmation may involve a family member travelling to assist authorities.

Authorities from several jurisdictions — including France, Australia, and countries bordering the Mozambique Channel — are now cooperating to determine the cause of death.

The yacht was reportedly found adrift, and French authorities continue to monitor its position via satellite.

As of the latest official updates:

  • The cause of death has not been established.

  • No official determination has been made regarding whether the incident was accidental or the result of foul play.

  • Australian authorities, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), are providing consular support to Sibly’s family.

Sibly’s family, informed by authorities of the discovery aboard the yacht, described the event as “devastating.” Her sister, Sue Good, confirmed that the family is awaiting further information and formal identification before making any conclusions.

What remains unknown

Many aspects of the incident remain unresolved:

  • The exact time and cause of death of both sailors

  • The condition of the yacht at the moment the distress signal was sent

  • Whether any mechanical, medical, or environmental factors contributed

  • Whether a full forensic examination of the vessel will be possible

Authorities have stated that the investigation may require additional time, due to the remote location of the incident and the complexity of coordinating multiple national jurisdictions.

The deaths of Deirdre Sibly and Pascal Mahe mark a tragic end to what had been intended as a long-distance sailing journey across the Indian Ocean. While investigations continue, the confirmed facts point to a sudden distress situation followed by the discovery of both sailors deceased aboard their vessel.

Further updates are expected once formal identification is completed and authorities release the results of their inquiry.

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