Telford rower's Atlantic record bid called off after boat is damaged
A Telford rower and his crew mates have had to abandon their bid to set a world record for crossing the Atlantic in less than 32 days, after their boat was damaged at sea.
The Oystershack crew, made up of seven rowers, including businessman Christophe Legeais from Telford, contacted the coastguard as team member Mads Fabricius had sores on his legs which were not improving with antibiotics.
The freight ship Santa Paula received a call from the coastguard to assist and Mr Fabricius was taken off the board.
Race organiser Gemma Chalk, of Oceanus Rowing, said: : "Sadly whilst trying to take Mads off the boat, OysterShack was damaged and it was deemed unsafe for the remaining crew to continue.
"All crew members – Paul Williams, Matt Inglesby, Christophe Legeais, Kevin Doyle and Mads Fabricius – were taken off the boat and are safe and well on board the vessel Santa Paula.
"Skipper Paul called in to confirm the news. They are headed for Brazil and due to arrive there later this week."
Meanwhile, the Toby Wallace crew, made up of rowers including 47-year-old Steve Harpin from Shrewsbury and skipper Simon Chalk, from Loggerheads, near Market Drayton, are continuing their journey across the Atlantic and still hope to break the world record.
