Four Female Rowers Plucked from Atlantic After Capsize Catastrophe
Four British women rowers have been rescued after their boat capsized miles from shore, leaving them stranded without oars or navigation gear in the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Distress Call Sparks 11-Hour Rescue Operation
The UK Coastguard got the crew’s distress signal just after 9am on Saturday. But help wasn’t close – the nearest ship was 90 nautical miles away and took 11 hours to reach the desperate rowers. Gemma Chalk, Clare Lanyon, Jane McIntosh, and Olivia Wilson were hopelessly lost about 400 nautical miles from Cape Verde.
Record-Breaking Dream Shattered
The women had set off on January 26 to shatter the female rowing speed record for crossing from Gran Canaria to Barbados – currently 45 days, 15 hours, and 26 minutes. They also aimed to raise cash for Barnardo’s and the Forces Children’s Trust. But after multiple capsizes, their daring attempt came to a sudden end.
Ian Guy, UK Coastguard: “This shows how vital it is to be prepared with several ways to alert the Coastguard or raise the alarm, even outside UK waters.”
Safe and Sound but Mission Cut Short
The crew are now safely aboard a bulk carrier, reported as well in health. A spokesperson for the team said: “After damage caused by a capsize incident and discussions with shore support and the UK Coastguard, the girls have decided it’s unwise to continue their Atlantic row.”
