All 13 crew members of the Clyde Challenger, one of the vessels taking part in The Tall Ships’ Races 2008, were rescued overnight from their stricken vessel in the North Sea. All are safe and well. The 18m cutter was competing in final leg of the race series, from Bergen (Norway) to Den Helder (Netherlands). She reported taking on water last night and issued a Mayday call at around 2150 hours.

Two search and rescue (SAR) helicopters were dispatched by the Humber Coastguard (UK) who coordinated the rescue with the race organisers, Sail Training International. The crew of the Clyde Challenger were taken on board another competitor in the Race series, the TS Loyal, in less than an hour after the Mayday. They were later transferred to the KV Andenes, a Norwegian Coast Guard vessel.

Divers from the KV Andenes were put on board the Clyde Challenger to inspect the damage and stop the leak which is believed to been caused by a fractured pipe in the engine compartment.
The Clyde Challenger is still afloat and now being towed by the KV Andenes to Den Helder. The Clyde Challenger is a regular competitor in The Tall Ships’ Races and other regattas and has completed four round the world races. Jim Smith (Director of Clyde Sail Training Trust), who has been in direct contact with Humber Coastguard, has contacted the families of the crew members to reassure them that the crew are safe.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Corinne Hitching, Media & Publications Manager for Sail Training International. 077641 83866, corinne.hitching@sailtraininginternational.org.

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