10/06/2010

 

Falmouth Coastguard co-ordinated the rescue of the crew of yacht OCTAGON last night, after it lost its steering and began to take on water 300 miles north west of Spain. The yacht was travelling from the Azores to the UK.

After receiving the DSC and EPIRB alerts, Falmouth Coastguard used their long range vessel tracking system (LRIT) to identify the closest vessel which could divert and go to the yachts assistance. This was the chemical tanker MTM PRINCESS, which was travelling to Santander.

The chemical tanker met-up with the yacht at 04.00am this morning. Despite heavy seas, Force 7/8 winds and the obvious darkness all four crew members managed to safely transfer to the chemical tanker. They are now on their way to Spain.

Falmouth Coastguard Watch Manager Pete Bullard said: “This yacht was a long way from land and on the very edge of our search and rescue area.

“Despite this, the technology available to us and skill of the chemical tanker’s Captain has led to all four crew being rescued.”