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23/01/2006
Cornish rowers rescued following international search
A major air and sea search operation has concluded with two Cornish rowers in the Atlantic Rowing Race being taken aboard a support vessel.
The rowers, Bob Warren, 40, and Chris Barrett, 41, were taking part in the grueling Atlantic Rowing Race from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the West Indies on 'Spirit of Cornwall' when they were apparently forced to take to their life raft.
Falmouth Maritime and Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) picked up an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered as belonging to 'Spirit of Cornwall' at 4.40pm on Sunday afternoon.
An aircraft was sent from Martinique which was able to locate the life raft with two persons on board. Acting on this information MRCC Falmouth directed the merchant vessel 'Rainbow', race support vessel 'Aurora' and UK warship HMS Southampton to the area.
The searching ships initially failed to locate the life raft, but following a search a red flare was sighted at around 3.45am (GMT) and the life raft was located.
The two rowers have now been taken aboard the Aurora and are safe and well, and the vessel is making its way to Antigua.
Andy Cattrell, Watch Manager MRCC Falmouth says: "This was a prolonged operation with some difficult communications involved. The vessels involved are to be commended for their professionalism in carrying out this rescue in darkness and difficult sea conditions. We are pleased that both the rowers are well and thank Woodvale Events for their assistance throughout the incident."
'Spirit of Cornwall', crewed by Cornishmen Bob Warren and Chris Barrett is one of 26 boats competing in the Atlantic Rowing Race.
Race organizers said that the two rowers had less than 200 miles to go to the finish in Antigua.
Both experienced rowers are confirmed as being uninjured, but "deeply disappointed" at their voyage ending in this manner.
The rowers are expected to be reunited with their families early Tuesday morning when the race support vessel reaches Antigua.
(SP/GB)
The rowers, Bob Warren, 40, and Chris Barrett, 41, were taking part in the grueling Atlantic Rowing Race from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the West Indies on 'Spirit of Cornwall' when they were apparently forced to take to their life raft.
Falmouth Maritime and Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) picked up an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered as belonging to 'Spirit of Cornwall' at 4.40pm on Sunday afternoon.
An aircraft was sent from Martinique which was able to locate the life raft with two persons on board. Acting on this information MRCC Falmouth directed the merchant vessel 'Rainbow', race support vessel 'Aurora' and UK warship HMS Southampton to the area.
The searching ships initially failed to locate the life raft, but following a search a red flare was sighted at around 3.45am (GMT) and the life raft was located.
The two rowers have now been taken aboard the Aurora and are safe and well, and the vessel is making its way to Antigua.
Andy Cattrell, Watch Manager MRCC Falmouth says: "This was a prolonged operation with some difficult communications involved. The vessels involved are to be commended for their professionalism in carrying out this rescue in darkness and difficult sea conditions. We are pleased that both the rowers are well and thank Woodvale Events for their assistance throughout the incident."
'Spirit of Cornwall', crewed by Cornishmen Bob Warren and Chris Barrett is one of 26 boats competing in the Atlantic Rowing Race.
Race organizers said that the two rowers had less than 200 miles to go to the finish in Antigua.
Both experienced rowers are confirmed as being uninjured, but "deeply disappointed" at their voyage ending in this manner.
The rowers are expected to be reunited with their families early Tuesday morning when the race support vessel reaches Antigua.
(SP/GB)
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