An experienced sailor from Baltimore has been missing at sea for nearly two weeks, according to his family and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Donald Lawson, 41, set out to travel from Acapulco, Mexico to Central America's west coast, through the Panama Canal and to Baltimore on his 60-foot racing trimaran. His goal was to break 15 world records including "becoming the fastest person and the first African American to circumnavigate the globe alone in a sailing vessel no longer than 60 feet," NBC News reports.
However, "a storm knocked out one of the engines" on Lawson's vessel on July 9, prompting him to change course and head back to Acapulco, according to his brother, Quentin Lawson Sr.
Lawson's wife, Jacqueline Lawson, said the sailor began relying on a wind generator after he lost engine power. But a few days later, Lawson lost his backup wind turbine. The family said they last communicated with him on July 13, when he was about 285 nautical miles from Acapulco.
According to Petty Officer Hunter Schnabel of Coast Guard District 11, Mexico’s Maritime Search and Rescue unit is leading efforts to find Lawson.
While the situation may seem troubling, Lawson is a sailor with decades of experience, his brother said.
“I’m optimistic. But I’m a little afraid,” he said.
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