Fact check! “Asteria's final voyage” - Golden Globe Race 2022
by Golden Globe Race 7 Aug 19:44 BST
Successful rescue operation for Tapio Lehtinen in Southern Indian Ocean. Kirsten Neuschäfer first to reach position, and take him to safety aboard Minnehaha, After sharing a good glass of rum, Tapio was transferring onto Bulk Carrier M.V. Darya Gayatri © Kirsten Neuschäfer / GGR2022
On NOV 18th, 2022, at around 0700hrs Tapio Lehtinen woke to a loud crash from the back of his beloved ASTERIA. He was 450 miles off the coast of South Africa racing in the solo McIntyre Golden Globe Race around the world.
Out of his bunk he stood in knee deep water with more flooding in from under the engine. Six minutes later, grabbing what he could and donning his survival suit, he lunged into his life raft. Shortly after, he gave his old friend ASTERIA a final salute, as she slipped silently and surreally stern first below the waves of the Southern Ocean.
He was alone in his life raft. His emergency sat phone had a broken antenna. The PLB packed in his raft was working, but the EPIRB went down with the ship. The GGR organisers were stunned, but with Cape Town MRCC alerted, swung into action. He was ultimately rescued by fellow entrant Kirsten Neuschäfer who went on to win the McIntyre GGR and global recognition. This RESCUE was an amazing story and is now the subject of a short film "ASTERIA'S FINAL VOYAGE" released today on Youtube, click below to watch.
The organiser of the GGR Don McIntyre had entered into an agreement with Fathom Films, a Canadian production company to produce a documentary based on the 2022 edition of the Race. Three boats were lost during this gruelling eight-month adventure around the world and only three of the original 16 starters finished the Race. It was an epic story waiting to be told, but for some unexplained reason, Fathom Films decided to remove Tapio Lehtinen from the GGR in their film "The Loneliest Race". He simply was not mentioned. He did not exist. The sinking and subsequent rescue by the winner of the GGR did not happen. Tapio was simply cancelled.
"I objected to the producers explaining that without Tapio their film lacked integrity and honesty. The Producer suggested they just wanted a character piece and there were enough characters without telling Tapio's story. I was stunned and shocked. They launched the film without him. It's a good film, but it tells a lie by what is not there. As the organiser we cannot endorse it as the "Official Film" of the 2022 GGR. I felt so sad for Tapio and his team. I had an agreement with Fathom Films and they did not deliver, but no point fighting, so instead we produced this short film "ASTERIA'S FINAL VOYAGE" to tell the untold story." - Don McIntyre - GGR Founder & Chairman
To complement this short film about Tapio, McIntyre Adventure is now producing a 16-part short film series of "2022 GGR Skipper Stories" one episode for each entrant and one being released every week starting today. Available on the Golden Globe Race YouTube channel HERE.
Katy Stickland from Practical Boat Owner magazine had a sneak peak of this new McIntyre Adventure series and had this to say...
"These absorbing and captivating GGR Skipper Stories are packed with never-before-seen footage which puts you in the heart of the race and reveal new insights into the hardships and sheer joy experienced by those taking part in one of the toughest yacht races on earth. Couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen." - Katy Stickland - Practical Boat Owner magazine
Why did Asteria sink?
If you would like to know more, there was a full investigation and two hour discussion from various experts at the time. You can watch this detailed technical analysis here. At the end of the day there was NO PROVEN ANSWER.