UK Coastguard helps coordinate rescue of two British rowers in Mid-Atlantic

Two rowers have been rescued in the Atlantic Ocean when their vessel began to take water after sustaining a broken rudder.

UK Coastguard received a distress signal from a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) just after 9am yesterday morning (9 February) from two British crew on an ocean rowing boat, located approximately 900 nautical miles East Northeast of Martinique. 
The rowing boat had left Gran Canarias enroute to Barbados when the crew experienced problems with a broken rudder, they were also low on food.  UK Coastguard were unable to establish satellite phone contact with the vessel to confirm the problems but immediately sent the position information of the PLB to the MRCC Fort de France.

MRCC Fort de France broadcast a Mayday Relay to nearby vessels in the area to assist.  Two vessels responded, the one closest – a cargo vessel only 10 nautical miles away – diverted its course and made its way to the stricken vessel.  The two crew are now on board the cargo ship and making their way to Gibraltar. 

Ross Parkinson, Senior Maritime Operations Officer for UK Coastguard said:  “This was a lengthy and demanding long range rescue taking place 900 nautical miles from Martinique.  The rowers were incredibly lucky that a nearby vessel was only a few hours away because by the time help arrived the rowing vessel had started taking on water.
“This incident shows you how important it is to be prepared for your voyage and have several means of contacting the Coastguard or raising an alarm, even if you are not in UK waters.  In this case, the PLB (which was recovered at the scene) was able to give us accurate positioning information, this meant that we were able to provide MRCC Fort de France with precise details, allowing help to be diverted accurately. Whilst the incident was unfolding, the UK Coastguard maintained a watchful eye over the situation regularly liaising with foreign authorities. 

“Our priority is to protect life at sea and we will always do everything possible to provide assistance for a mariner in need.  In the event we can't get there ourselves, we do our best to identify someone who can which is exactly what we did in this case.  Two vessels responded to the Mayday Relay broadcast that was issued – one 10 nm away and one 100nm away - largely as a result of the remote area the incident was in.  Thankfully the rowers are now on board the cargo ship and are reported to be safe and well.”




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