Mark Cornell’s yacht sinks on Great Barrier Reef near Lizard Island

A Bowen man whose yacht capsized on the Great Barrier Reef had spent his life savings so he could sail around the world. Now he’s “lost everything” in the disaster. Watch the video.

A Bowen man whose yacht capsized on the Great Barrier Reef after spending his life savings so he could sail around the world has “lost everything” in the disaster.

Mark Cornell was rescued last week from rough seas after his sailing vessel was pushed on to a reef northwest off Lizard Island by 40km/h winds and two metre swells.

The plan for Mr Cornell, who lived in Geelong, Victoria, was to sail the boat around the world and live in it, seeing family in Indonesia first.

Mark Cornell was rescued last week from rough seas after their sailing vessel was pushed on to a reef northwest off Lizard Island by 40 km/h winds and two metre swells. Picture: Matt Cornell

He had a crew member with him, a traveller he met on an online group chat made for people who hoped to help on sailing boats.

They started their journey from Bowen, sailing up to Cairns, Port Douglas, then Cooktown, before heading towards Lizard Island.

Mr Cornell had bought the 52ft yacht he called Escapee second hand, and spent his savings and three years of his life on making it his home.

He said when he set sail, the weather conditions were perfect.

“Conditions were ideal for Escapee and we sailed on using the mizzen and main sail at an average of six knots,” Mr Cornell said.

“When we got close to our planned anchorage at Lizard Island we had a part of the main sail boom break and that left the tail of the main sail flapping in the breeze.”

Mr Cornell said that this would have been an easy fix, so he dropped the main sail.

“I proceeded to drop the main sail and discovered our head sail had a jam in the furler.”

The furler refers to stowing or dousing a boat’s sail.

“Once we would anchor I would do the repairs, it’s no big deal … that’s sailing,” Mr Cornell said.

Mark Cornell was rescued last week from rough seas after their sailing vessel was pushed on to a reef northwest off Lizard Island by 40 km/h winds and two metre swells. Picture: Matt Cornell

“As we approached Lizard Island the engine died. I restarted it and it died again.

“I thought maybe we have no fuel so I did a quick double check to make sure the gauge was working, and yes, we had at least 20 litres in the day tank.”

Mr Cornell said that as the sun set, he decided to leave the problem for the next day and sailed to his next anchorage.

He said the night was spent drifting because the wind and tide had them going around in a two nautical mile circle.

Mr Cornell attempted to anchor 15 to 20 metres off Waining Reef, east of Lizard Island.

“The winch then failed and let out another 30 to 40 metres of chain with no way to stop it we then drifted straight into the shallows and started to bounce off the bottom,” Mr Cornell said.

“With our keel I secured the chain and made the decision to call a mayday as there was no way to save Escapee.

Matt Cornell's boat minutes away from capsizing. Picture: supplied

“With 2 to 2.5 metre waves hitting us and bouncing the keel on rock it would only a matter of time before the hull would be breached.”

Mr Cornell said that by the time the AMSA rescue helicopter had come, they had to jump off board.

“There was no hope,” he said.

“Escapee was going down.”

The two threw some belongings, such as dive equipment, off board and inflated their life jackets.

Because they were in the water, there was no hope for the rescue helicopter to reach them.

Fortunately, there was a yacht close by, named “Asif”, that was able to attend to the two and rescue them.

“We were safe and sound but my home for the last three years is gone and everything I own with it but I can always start again,” Mr Cornell said.

“No lives lost, no injuries, and to Ian and Ang and their beautiful boat Asif we will be thankful always for your generous hospitality.

“Friday we got a flight to Cairns and the crew left for Melbourne. I was picked up at the airport by a great mate and his lovely wife who took me to their home and via Kmart so I could buy something to wear.”

Now as devastated as Mr Cornell is, he said he’s hopeful for the future.

“I’ve got nothing left, but I’ll eventually start the next chapter and move on,” he said.

To pick himself back up, he’s started a GoFundMe.

“I’m so lucky to have the support network I do, I’m forever grateful.”

Originally published as Mark Cornell’s yacht sinks on Great Barrier Reef near Lizard Island