RNLI rescues solo sailor after 52 days at sea

Kinsale RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of a solo yachtsman on the weekend, who left Caribbean island Carriacou on Thursday 13 May, en route to the UK. Three weeks in, the 51ft ketch casualty vessel lost engine power, forcing the skipper to continue his 6,500km journey under sail.

The yachtsman told his rescuers that the casualty vessel was becalmed for 10 days when the wind dropped. After he was able to resume his voyage, the sails were damaged, further hampering progress. By the time the Coastguard became aware of his plight on 3 July, the vessel was travelling at 3 knots with no prospect of reaching its intended destination.

The stricken yacht was taken under tow to Kinsale Harbour. RNLI crew member Felix Milner remained on board the yacht on the final leg of the journey to Kinsale to safeguard the wellbeing of the skipper, who was exhausted but uninjured despite his long ordeal.

The Kinsale lifeboat helm said: “It is a tribute to the yachtsman’s seamanship that he made a 6,500km voyage single-handed and remained calm and focused despite the many problems he encountered in the course of his journey. He is very fit and able but was clearly exhausted after 52 days alone at sea and it was the right decision to help him over the final hurdle and bring him safely to Kinsale.”

After arriving into Kinsale at 9.15pm, the yachtsman enjoyed his first hot shower in over seven weeks before being reunited with his son and two daughters, who live in West Cork and were waiting for him on the pier.

Following his rescue, the yachtsman says: “The RNLI Kinsale are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Their expertise and commitment leave me humbled. It is an institution I have always supported and will do so for the rest of my days.”

Images courtesy of RNLI/Kinsale.