The Vendée Globe news team received this message yesterday evening from Jean Le Cam's wife about her traumatic day:

«Last night, the phone rang. Sailor's wives or husbands always fear that moment. It could be bad or very bad news. The ringing wakes you up and you are suddenly very alert and ready for the worst. On the other end there was Michel Ollivier, Jean's right hand man, who was finding it particularly difficult to make this call. He told me what he knew, what Jean had said before he capsized. We hung up and the wait began. It was really odd, because I'd talked to Jean at midnight and he was doing well and looking forward to the Horn. 1h20 later he triggered his beacon.
In the morning there was the usual routine... Facing the icy roads, I took the girls to school and went to work...While thinking all the time of Jean. Waiting and hoping. The phone kept ringing all day long and the e-mails poured in. That's why I'm writing to you now. Throughout the day we received messages of support and messages from well wishers. I don't have the energy to reply to you all, but I sincerely thank you for your warmth and kindness. Thanks too to Vincent and Armel as well as to the organisers and to Chile..."
 

Apparently, Vincent Riou and Jean Le Cam are no longer heading for the Beagle Channel: PRB has gybed to head towards the Horn in a 20-knot SW'ly wind. This would appear to suggest that they could be heading for a haven to drop off Jean and carry out repairs. We will bring you more information later...
 

You can view the only pictures available of the upturned VM Matériaux, which were sent back by Vincent Riou yesterday afternoon by clicking here.
 

"I'm thinking of Jean Le Cam, who capsized near Cape Horn. 18 years ago, we capsized in our 60-foot trimaran, Great American very near the same position. I have heard that he has shown signs of life: that is great news! I'm really thinking of him."

Rich Wilson (Great American III) by e-mail yesterday evening 
 

At 20h10 (UTC) you will be able to hear us talking (in French) to Vincent Riou and then at 20h20 (UTC) to Armel Le Cléac'h.  We will bring you a summary of what they say later this evening

Vincent Riou will be reaching VM Matériaux at around 14h30 GMT, and Armel Le Cléac’h should arrive thirty minutes or so later. The two sailors will then be focussing on one goal: getting in contact with Jean Le Cam to get a reaction from him. The hope is to obtain some sign of life, as it would appear that Jean did not hear the foghorn of the oil tanker, which has been positioned alongside the upturned Lombard designed VM Matériaux since this morning.

The French authorities are in contact with the Chilean authorities

The MRCC have asked the tanker to remain on the spot, which it will now be doing. In addition, two extra boats have become involved in the rescue operation: a fishing boat located 120 miles from VM Matériaux is diverting to the area, and a Chilean naval tug has also been dispatched. It should be in the area in 14 hours time.
Philippe Etienne, the Cabinet Secretary to the French Foreign Secretary, with whom the organisers are in contact, is awaiting the imminent arrival of the report from the plane pilot, who flew over VM Matériaux this afternoon.