The couple had embarked on a transatlantic sailing trip and were last seen on June 18, when they departed Nova Scotia in their 13-meter eco-friendly yacht, Theros.
The remains of Sarah Packwood, a British national, and her Canadian husband, Brett Clibbery, have been recovered on a life raft that washed ashore on Sable Island, near Nova Scotia, Canada, on July 12.
The couple had embarked on a transatlantic sailing trip and were last seen on June 18, when they departed Nova Scotia in their 13-meter eco-friendly yacht, Theros.
After being reported missing, an extensive search effort was launched. Unfortunately, it is believed that the couple abandoned their vessel and tragically lost their lives before being discovered on the life raft almost six weeks later, BBC reports.
They were on the way to the Azores – about 3,228 km away – with the trip planned to take 21 days.
In a post on Facebook, Mr Clibbery’s son James confirmed the pair had died.
He said, “The past few days have been very hard. My father James Brett Clibbery, and his wife, Sarah Justine Packwood have regrettably passed away.
“There is still an investigation, as well as a DNA test to confirm, but with all the news, it is hard to remain hopeful.
“So far this has made it to several news outlets around the country, and I have only just spoken to the coroner today. I am so very sorry to the people who were friends of them. They were amazing people, and there isn’t anything that will fill the hole that has been left by their, so far unexplained passing.
“Living will not be the same without your wisdom, and your wife was quickly becoming a beacon of knowledge, and kindness. I miss your smiles. I miss your voices. You will be forever missed.”
An investigation is still under way, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police told the BBC on Sunday.
According to Saltwire, a Canadian news outlet, investigators are considering the possibility that the yacht may have been involved in a collision with a cargo ship that went unnoticed by the larger vessel.
This is one of several theories being explored as part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the couple’s disappearance and the subsequent discovery of their remains on a life raft.
On their YouTube channel, Theros Adventures, Sarah Packwood and Brett Clibbery shared details about their sailing trip, known as the Green Odyssey.
In a video, they explained their plan to utilize a combination of sustainable power sources, including sails, solar panels, batteries, and a repurposed electric car engine, to propel their 13-meter yacht, Theros, across the Atlantic Ocean.