Australian sailor Deirdre “Cookie” Sibly and her companion have died under mysterious circumstances aboard her yacht off the coast of South Africa.
Ms. Sibly and her French friend, Pascal, were sailing near Madagascar when they sent out a distress signal on Thursday. By the time local authorities reached the vessel, both were found dead on board.
The two were experienced mariners, well-accustomed to long voyages.
Now, the family of the 67-year-old Port Lincoln woman is searching for answers, with some fearing the possibility of pirate involvement.
“She was a very adventurous, outdoor soul. Her whole life revolved around the sea and yachts,” Ms. Sibly’s sister, Sue Good, told 9News.
The pair had reunited on Réunion Island in June before setting off down the Mozambique Channel, bound for Durban, where Deirdre had planned to catch a flight home.
Australian sailor Deirdre “Cookie” Sibly and her companion have died in unexplained circumstances aboard her yacht off the coast of South Africa.
“They’ve been on the adventure of a lifetime, and she was having the time of her life,” Ms. Sibly’s sister, Sue Good, said.
“We only know they were found deceased on the yacht — we don’t know anything about how that happened. How could this happen to two happy people doing what they loved?”
Speaking to 9News, Ms. Good noted that the Mozambique Channel “isn’t a very safe place in the world to be sailing,” adding that her sister was well aware of the risks.
Local authorities discovered the experienced sailors dead aboard the vessel.
By Friday, the yacht was still drifting as officials prepared a plan to recover it.
Tributes have since flowed on social media, with one friend describing Ms. Sibly as the “ultimate adventurer” who “never let the grass grow under her feet.”
“She embraced everything life offered, chasing every opportunity with boundless energy, joy and enthusiasm — to explore, to learn and, above all, to have fun,” the friend wrote. “The most excellent bonus mum, a passionate teacher, ocean advocate and seasoned sailor. I loved every second I spent with her.”
Others remembered Ms. Sibly as “the best aquatic teacher” and an “incredible person.”
