Bravo Falmouth coastguard!

Oliveoyl

Oliveoyl

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 Aug 2006
Messages
2,041
Location
Belgistan
www.yotblog.com
A friend set off today in a single-handed rowing race from Senegal to Guyane. About 1 1/2 hrs into the race, I got a call from the CG in Falmouth ( Popeye lent his UK EPIRB to Phil the rower, and all the subsequent paperwork led to here). CG says "Paarlaye-vous Anglay?" Replied that yes , I could get by.The rowboat EPIRB had gone off, CG very reassuring, probably just false alert, would keep an eye on things ..... Popeye in panic mode.Lunch immediately put on hold. Checked Rames Guyane website "excellent conditions", phoned race organisers - some capsizes, but since all boats still in Senegal river, lots of assistance to hand. Phoned back Falmouth CG, to report back -they had already contacted Senegalese navy!!! Whole family is gobsmacked as to efficiency of GB CG; and I'm going like OK, normal in a crisis, average housewife manages shipwreck in Africa via GB CG, while cooking lunch and singing Rule Brittania.
What a start to a Sunday!
 
I thought EPIRBs were registered to particular boats, and not really meant to be "leant" out to avoid confusion? Then again, how does it work if you rent out one for a particular voyage?

Good to hear that the system works, though.

dv.
 
We had to go thro re-registration procedures to get the EPIRB "attached" to the rowing boat. Internet gave us all the procedures to follow, and we got the confirmation letter last week that all was in order. The EPIRB was in the name of a sailing /climbing club which doesn't actually own a boat, so I suppose the initial registration was in the name of the club, c/o our house which doesn't go to sea very often.
I was initially very wary about Phil taking the EPIRB; having read a lot in the press about failure rate, but guess I was proved wrong!
 
Its the reverse of normal isnt it? Customer in the third world and the call centre in the UK. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Anyway Mrs Average Housewife - I hope it didnt lead to lumps in the custard.
 
Saw on the site that the bar at the river mouth was the worst it had been for ages, is your mate one of the guys that had to pull out for repairs, or did he make it across the bar on another attempt?

It looks quite a daunter, think its the first proper trans-atlantic (i.e. coast to coast) rowing race, are they not due out here around Christmas time? I think I read that they can sit in their boats and do nothing and the current will get them here in 3 months!!

Hope your guy does OK...
 
He got across the bar, and is placed in the middle of the 11 currently rowing - only 2204 miles to go! Estimated passage time is 35- 50 days. Indeed the trade winds would get them to Guyane without rowing, but it is supposed to be a race!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top