Tragic End to a Couple’s Dream Sailing Voyage Across the Atlantic

The tragic discovery of a couple’s lifeless bodies who embarked on a scenic sailing journey across the Atlantic Ocean has left many in shock. Sarah Packwood, a British national, and her Canadian husband Brett Clibbery, were declared missing weeks earlier after setting sail in their eco-friendly boat, Theros.

The couple was reported missing on June 18 after they departed from Nova Scotia on June 11, aiming for a 21-day journey to the Azores, an archipelago belonging to Portugal over 3,000 kilometers away.

On July 12, their lifeboat was found washed ashore on the remote Sable Island, situated to the east of Nova Scotia. Reports indicate that Sarah, aged 54, and Brett, aged 70, likely abandoned their yacht and subsequently lost their lives before drifting to this known “graveyard of the Atlantic” where many shipwrecks have occurred over the centuries.

The last communication recorded from the pair was a signal from Clibbery’s GPS device just 40 miles southwest of Sable Island on June 13, a chilling reminder of their perilous voyage. Brett’s son, James, has publicly confirmed their passing, expressing the immense grief that has engulfed their family during this troubling time.

He described the last few days looking for answers as “extremely tough” and noted that there was a void created by their unexplained absence that could never be filled. The case remains under investigation by authorities, who are working diligently to uncover the events that led up to this heart-wrenching incident.

One theory under consideration is that their vessel may have been struck by a cargo ship, which might have overlooked the collision, leaving the couple unable to respond to the emergency or take any measures to evade disaster. Anonymous sources have suggested it’s possible that the couple could have been occupying the cabin below deck while Theros was left on autopilot.

Despite extensive searches conducted by the Canadian Coast Guard and military aircraft, no remnants of the yacht or evidence of a wreckage have been found. The waters near Sable Island are notorious for their treacherous currents, making maritime navigation particularly challenging. The island has been linked to over 350 shipwrecks since its first recorded incident in 1583.

The couple’s relationship began in a rather unconventional manner when they met at a bus stop in London in 2015. Brett had traveled to London with intentions to donate a kidney to his sister, and fortuitously crossed paths with Sarah. Their shared enthusiasm for adventure and travel sparked what would become a deep and lasting bond.

Within a year, they wed on their yacht, Theros, pioneering a lifestyle that would showcase their sustainable sailing journey. Following their wedding, they participated in a handfasting ceremony at the legendary Stonehenge in 2017, underscoring their commitment to each other.

Prior to this ill-fated trip, the couple had embarked on numerous adventures, including sailing along the Pacific coast of Canada and the United States, navigating through the Panama Canal, and exploring the Caribbean before returning to Nova Scotia.

Earlier this year, they shared their aspirations for this particular voyage through a video uploaded to their YouTube channel, titled Theros Adventures. In their promotional content, they described their journey as “The Green Odyssey,” emphasizing their commitment to ecological travel using sails, solar panels, and a repurposed electric engine.

Both had an impressive history; Sarah’s work with the United Nations in Rwanda post-genocide reflects her deep commitment to humanity, while Brett’s background as a retired engineer showcased his vast technical knowledge and expertise.

As they cast off for what they referred to as the “second leg of The Green Odyssey,” they expressed a desire for a journey that proved one could traverse vast distances without the use of fossil fuels. In their own words, Sarah proclaimed it was, “probably the biggest adventure of our lives so far.”

The devastating discovery serves as a somber reminder of the risks and challenges associated with sailing the open seas. Friends, family, and members of the sailing community are left grappling with the loss of two inspiring individuals, whose passion for exploration reached far beyond the horizon.