A Couple, Sarah Packwood and Brett Clibbery Found Dead on Life Raft Near Nova Scotia After Attempting Transatlantic Crossing
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
5 minutes read. Updated 11:04AM GMT Sun, 21July, 2024
The bodies of a British woman, Sarah Packwood, and her Canadian husband, Brett Clibbery, were discovered on a life raft washed ashore on Sable Island near Nova Scotia, Canada, nearly six weeks after they were last seen embarking on a transatlantic sailing adventure. Their tragic demise has sent shockwaves through the international sailing community and beyond.
Sarah Packwood, a humanitarian from Long Itchington, Warwickshire, and her husband, Brett Clibbery, a retired engineer, set off from Nova Scotia on their 13-meter eco-friendly yacht, Theros, on a journey to the Azores, approximately 3,228 kilometers away. The couple, passionate about sustainable travel, aimed to complete the voyage in 21 days using sails, solar panels, batteries, and an electric engine repurposed from a car.
The couple was reported missing on June 18, a week after they departed. Their son, James Clibbery, confirmed the devastating news on Facebook, expressing profound grief and stating that the loss has left an irreplaceable void. He said, “There isn’t anything that will fill the hole that has been left by their, so far unexplained passing.”
Investigations into the cause of their deaths are ongoing. One theory under consideration by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is that the yacht may have been struck by a passing cargo ship, which went unnoticed. The Canadian Coast Guard and military aircraft have not found any wreckage or signs of the Theros, leading to further speculation and uncertainty about the exact events that led to the tragedy.
The couple’s journey, dubbed the “Green Odyssey,” was well-documented on their YouTube channel, Theros Adventures, where they shared their vision of sustainable travel. In a video posted on April 12, Brett Clibbery emphasized their commitment to reducing fossil fuel use, stating, “We’re doing everything we can to show that you can travel without burning fossil fuels.”
Their story began in London in 2015, where they met by chance while Brett was preparing to donate a kidney to his sister. They married in Canada a year later and reaffirmed their vows in a traditional handfasting ceremony at Stonehenge in 2017. Sarah’s blog and their feature in The Guardian’s “How We Met” article in 2020 chronicled their inspiring journey and love story.
Sarah Packwood had a distinguished career as a humanitarian, having worked with the UN in Rwanda after the 1994 genocide. Her dedication to humanitarian causes and sustainable living was evident in every aspect of her life.
In what would be their final Facebook post on June 11, the couple wrote, “Captain Brett and First Mate Sarah set sail on the 2nd leg of The Green Odyssey on board Theros – GibSea 42 foot sailboat. Powered by the wind and sun. Heading east to the Azores.”
This heartbreaking incident highlights the unpredictable nature of sea voyages and the dangers even experienced sailors can face. As the investigation continues, the international community mourns the loss of two individuals dedicated to making the world a better place through their commitment to sustainability and humanitarian efforts.
