Isles of Scilly boys back on dry land
Four friends from the Isles of Scilly who were caught in the perfect storm, grimly clinging to their capsized rowing boat as they were battered by everything the Atlantic Ocean had to throw at them, are due home today.
It is just over a week since the friends, known as the Scilly Boys, were the focus of an international rescue mission involving the US and Cornish coastguards.
After being airlifted to the safety of the Gulf Grace, the amateur rowers disembarked at Gibraltar over the weekend.
The crew landed at Gatwick on Monday and were anticipating an emotional reunion on the islands later today.
One of them, Wayne Davey, said: “We said the worst case scenario would be if three of us made it to the ship, and somebody did not make it. We would have to explain the circumstances and what happened to someone's mum or kids. Thank God all four of us made it off.”
Others rescued were father of two Chris Jenkins, 43, sports science graduate Tim Garratt, 26, and fisherman Joby Newton, 19.
The team was attempting to row 3,100 nautical miles in record time, across the Atlantic back to the Isles of Scilly, when “a wave that sounded like a jet engine roar” flipped the 29ft ocean rowing boat over.
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by Mike Sharecropper Madigan, Newfoundland Canada
Friday, September 25 2009, 2:29PM
“Hello me mates! Great article...even greater story!! Glad the lads are alive and still above water. Good rescue job! I remember the incident but now I am fully aware of the story! As for cost of rescue,..ah it kept da recuse b'ys and gulls alert, practiced and eager to help!! Next time, keep rowing to Newfoundland. Only ya won't get any record made if you do..... as we'll hoist ye up for a good Dominion Ale, a bowl of moose stew, and a glass of IcebergRum.....good stuff!
Take care all and hello to cuz Alison...we share a great aunt who survived the TITANIC - Maggie Madigan!! Of course that old ship was sunk off Newfoundland too!! But them icebergs are sure used today for rum,vodka, and ice that will hiss and crack in yer glass!
Mike Madigan (of triple w thesharecroppers dot n e t ), www.thesharecroppers.net Newfoundland... da ROCK out in the Atlantic!!!”
by ALISON HENRY, kirkcaldy Scotland
Friday, September 25 2009, 1:30PM
“Just saw the DVD my daughter had taped for me and man I was blown away by the courage and bravery of these guys.My heart bled for them as they did not atcheve their goal, but hey!! so what. My cousin in Newfoundland remembers it well and said how he admired the boys, so hats of the boys they are heros, xx”
by Pat B., USA/NJ
Wednesday, June 25 2008, 4:30PM
“Oh give me a break...the cost of the rescue?!!!! If you want to get right down to it, my taxes helped to pay for the US Coast Guard Hercules and it's absolutely amazing crew not yours and the cost of all of it doesn't even enter into the equation nor does it matter. I also communicated with the the company that owns the Gulf Grace and, after thanking them and the Captain and crew of the Gulf Grace, the cost apparently did not matter to them either. Instead of complaining you might want to consider thanking all of the crews involved in the rescue. I have all of the address, if you are interested.”
by Jackie Hughes, Isles of Scilly
Wednesday, June 25 2008, 3:43PM
“What a silly person you are P Knight. If you knew the time and effort that went into this challenge - one of which we can only dream off These men wanted to complete this challenge and never for one minute envisaged the outcome. For your information the USA Coastguard and Gulf Grace boat were honoured to have rescued them. Life must be dull in the West Midlands maybe you should try and get out more”
by Roy Finlay, NEW YORK
Wednesday, June 25 2008, 3:27PM
“Consider the charitable fund raising the vast majority of ocean rowers commit to which annualy far excceeds the cost of rescue .
Those helped by charities would have no alternative but to turn to the government for assistance which in itself indicative of the fact that ocean rowers appreciate the need to help aleviate the taxpayers burden in other areas respecting they themselves may require their lives to be saved at taxpayers expense.
This method of comunication used to complain about the cost of exploration came from space travel (exploration), think about that next time you see a satelite overhead or the next time you turn your computer on.”