Team Sea Legs - GB Row 2022: an extreme adventure!
Due to unpredictably bad weather conditions the Sea Legs journey has come to an end.
Unfortunately, the team suffered two emergency situations in their epic adventure rowing around the UK coast, the second resulted in a helipcpter rescue in stormy seas and the end to their 2022 row.
All three boats were rescued earlier in the race in Irish waters in stormy seas and Sea Legs suffered a second major event near Mull, with difficulties at night which catalysed a major sea rescue.
Skipper Chris Howard described the situation:
"We made the call for rescue as the situation became worse by the minute and the priority became the safety of the crew. We were heli rescued at approximately 01:15 in 8 meter swells and 30+ knot winds driving us to shore. We threw a long line and anchor in the hope it would slow us and hold the boat in position. We used the drogue to slow momentum and our EPIRB stopped working so we set off all our PLBS so we could be seen from deck.
As a crew we acted commendably and managed, with the help of the coast guards, to get everyone winched in what was the most technical rescue for the coastguard helicopter in nearly 10 years.
Our boat held and was recovered the day after. We’re sad not to be able to continue but feel the money we’ve raised and the scientific research we’ve done has been worthwhile. We want you all to know we’re grateful for your continued support."
Chris, Emma, Sophie, Lamin and Jason are obviously extremely disappointed to have been forced to retire from the race, which only one of the three boats (Endurance) is currently set to complete. We are proud to have supported this team who faced real danger in their drive to undertake a challenge with a great purpose.
Samples they have collected from UK waters are being studied by Portsmouth Univesity and funds have been raised for Cancer Research.
Huge congratulations from the Vin-X team and we look forward to hearing more about future endeavours from this talented team.
See BBC coverage here