Marine Vet Ronnie Simpson Rescued After 10 Hours Alone In The Middle Of The Atlantic After Mast Breaks During Sailing Race

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ronnie Simpson was rescued in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean during a race to sail around the world.

A wave threw Simpson, 38, into violent waters 600 miles off the coast of Argentina, breaking his boat’s mast. Simpson activated his distress beacon. He was able to share a video on his Instagram using a Starlink satellite connection to give updates about his condition.

Simpson said in the video that his boat was unstable and was too difficult to repair. He was able to get in contact with the U.S. Coast Guard and Argentinian Navy. However, it took 10 hours for help to reach Simpson as there were no ships close by.

A Taiwanese vessel coming from South Africa was able to redirect its course and rescue Simpson. Simpson continued to update his followers with the news.

“Live to fight another day,” he said. “Given the scenario, it’s the right decision. Doesn’t make it any easier though. It’s not even bittersweet it’s really just all bitter.”

Simpson was third place in the Global Solo Challenge that began in Spain in October 2023. He had completed about 75% of the race before being forced to drop.

Simpson began his military service at 18 years old in 2004. He was deployed in Iraq but was seriously wounded at 19 from an RPG explosion. After suffering extensive injuries, including severe burns and temporarily blind, Simpson was honorably discharged.