Heroic Atlantic Rower Applauded

Belfast International Airport has added its congratulations to record-breaking Atlantic rower, Kate Richardson, from Portadown.

Twenty-two year old Kate, who was supported by Belfast International Airport, and her colleagues made the 3,000-mile crossing from the Canary Islands to Barbados in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

The all-female crew finished fifth in a field of seventeen boats. The ‘Row for Freedom’ crew competed in a bid to raise awareness of the growing worldwide problem of human trafficking. Belfast International Airport Managing Director, John Doran, said: "This is a remarkable achievement, and we congratulate Kate for her endurance, determination and dedication. She and her colleagues faced stern challenges, but overcame them all to cross the finishing line in some style.

"Taking on an epic 6-week voyage like this demanded great courage and strength and Kate’s achievement is all the greater when you consider that the crew had to overcome problems with equipment, sleep deprivation and fatigue.

"Kate was the only Northern Ireland woman on the crew and, when they rowed into Port St Charles, they became the first all-female team of five to have managed the feat. As well as that, they beat the previous best for an unaided crossing by an all-female crew.

"We’re proud to have been associated with Kate and her cause and delighted, too, that she is now back on dry land celebrating a remarkable achievement."

(GK)