Sixteen rowers rescued in round Great Britain challenge

The number of rowers rescued from a round Great Britain challenge has risen to sixteen after a third rowing vessel with five crew was rescued in deteriorating weather conditions in the Irish Sea.

The third and final crew from the GB Row Challenge that left Tower Bridge London on the 12th June, to circumnavigate Great Britain and to collect environmental data was rescued on Sunday (26June22).

The rowers were 23 nautical miles North East of Ardglass and had capsized and righted themselves, but were unable to row.

Previously, the first call for assistance came into HM Coastguard on Friday (24June22) just before 18:30, when the first vessel’s shore contact reported they’d lost communications.

The five rowers onboard last known position was 42.5 nautical miles West of St Ann’s Head, Pembrokeshire.

HM Coastguard issued broadcasts to all vessels in the area requesting them to keep a sharp look out, and due to the position of the vessel the Irish Coast Guard also issued broadcasts.

A ferry reported seeing a rowing boat and was able to establish radio communications. The rowers confirmed they were safe, but fatigued and were concerned about worsening weather conditions. The rowers, along with their shore contact, made the decision to head to Wexford, Ireland with both HM Coastguard and the Irish Coast Guard monitoring the situation.

At around midnight on Friday, the vessel sustained damage to its rudder. Angle RNLI lifeboat was sent and able to attach a tow. Due to the offshore location and delicacy needed in the towing, the lifeboat was out for nearly 12 hours, arriving with the rowers and their vessel in Milford Haven on Saturday (25June2022). Although fatigued the rowers did not need medical assistance.

The second rowing vessel called for assistance at 16:00 on the same Saturday afternoon, stating it was in the Irish Sea and unable to row due to worsening weather conditions.

The rowing vessel with six people onboard was approximately 18 nautical miles North East of Larne, Northern Ireland, when it got into difficulty. Weather on scene was gale force 8 and rough seas.

The Red Bay RNLI Lifeboat, the Coastguard Rescue helicopter 199 from Prestwick and a tanker in the local area were sent.

Just after 23:00 Saturday evening the second set of rowers were able to board the lifeboat.

“The rowers were well prepared, they had all the appropriate safety equipment, a VHF radio and satellite phone but they still got caught out. Most importantly they had a shore contact, who was able to raise the alarm after communications were lost with first vessel,” says Alex Smith, commander at HM Coastguard.

“Whether you are rowing across the sea, sailing along the coast or going out for a paddle, always be prepared, check the weather, take the appropriate safety equipment and means of calling for help. Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to come back.”