Two Sailors Found Dead On Yacht In Suspected Pirate Attack Near South Africa

Two seasoned sailors were found dead on their yacht after issuing a distress signal in the Mozambique Channel, prompting authorities in the region to investigate the possibility of a pirate-related incident.

Australian sailor Deirdre “Cookie” Sibly and her French companion Pascal were discovered deceased when police vessels and nearby ships reached the boat on Thursday.

Local officials confirmed that both individuals were found inside the yacht, though the cause of death remains undetermined. Authorities in South Africa and Mozambique have not yet linked the deaths to piracy, but investigations are ongoing.

Sibly’s family expressed deep concern and said they feared pirates may have been involved, as groups are known to operate in the area where the distress call was made. Sibly’s sister, Sue Good, told Australian media that the family had only been informed that the pair were found dead and that the circumstances were still unknown.

She was reported as saying that her sister had been enjoying what she described as an “adventure of a lifetime” and questioned how such a tragedy could occur while they were doing something they loved.

The pair had met on Réunion Island in June and later set sail down the Mozambique Channel towards Durban, where the 67-year-old Australian had planned to fly home.

Sibly had been travelling across the Indian Ocean since June and was well-known among her friends as an adventurous sailor who spent much of her life on the water.

The Mozambique Channel is widely regarded as a dangerous region for maritime travel due to harsh sea conditions influenced by the Agulhas Current, which can generate powerful rogue waves.

It also sits within a cyclone-prone area often referred to as “Cyclone Alley”. Sibly’s sister noted that the channel was not a safe place to sail and that Sibly had been aware of the risks.

Concerns about maritime violence in the region have grown in recent years. Security assessments have previously indicated that South-East African waters have become increasingly attractive to pirate groups searching for poorly defended vessels.

These incidents have targeted both recreational and commercial craft moving through areas such as the Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mozambique, and South Africa.

Earlier this month, a Malta-flagged oil tanker travelling from India to Durban came under attack by suspected Somali pirates off the Somali coast.

Reports stated that the attackers fired weapons and boarded the vessel, forcing the crew to retreat to a secure section of the ship before abandoning the tanker as an EU naval vessel approached. All 24 crew members survived the incident.

Tributes for Sibly have continued to appear on social media, where friends described her as the “ultimate adventurer” and an energetic figure who embraced every opportunity.

One friend referred to her as a passionate teacher, ocean advocate, and much-loved companion, saying she approached life with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Authorities are working to determine how the tragic deaths occurred while the vessel remains secured for further examination. Sibly’s family said they are hoping for clarity as the investigation continues.

References: The Sun, nypost