Telford rower's record bid abandoned after boat 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.
Two weeks into a trip of a lifetime, drama unfolded out at sea which saw team Oystershack's dreams of breaking a world record of crossing the Atlantic in less than 32 days shattered.
The Oystershack crew, made up of seven dedicated rowers including businessman Christophe Legeais from Telford , contacted the Falmouth 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 onboard 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.
"Obviously the fact that everyone is well is most important but sadly it is also the end of the row for them too. The Toby Wallace are still continuing to Barbados but are very saddened to hear the news."
The Oysershack crew are now recovering from their ordeal on-board the Santa Paula and are feeling rested.
They are all looking forward to getting back to dry land which is going to be in about five days and then they will all be flying home at the earliest opportunity.
Meanwhile the Toby Wallce 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 tough journey across the Atlantic and still hope to break the world record.
After being delayed for more than two weeks because of bad weather, the crews left Gran Canaria on November 24 and have been at sea for more than two weeks.
Ms Chalk said: "The Toby Wallace crew are on the move again and rowing – the head wind has dropped and they are making progress which is great news."
The teams can be tracked during their journey on organiser Oceanus Rowing's website www.oceanusrowing.co.uk/atlantic-ocean-rowing
