Day 14 – 8th December 2014:
OysterShack spent the day dealing with wind against them again so whilst they went under the 2000nm mark before 10am that morning, they added miles again and were holding position on a drogue. Toby Wallace being more south managed to avoid this adverse weather and pulled a tough 64nm in 24 hours. Toby Wallace had a distance to finish of 1,775nm at 2200hrs on Day 14.
Also in conjunction with MRCC Falmouth Coastguard on 8th December, it was decided that an infection that Mads Fabricius had on sores on his legs were not improving with antibiotics and it was in his best interests to take him off the boat to receive better medical treatment before it got worse.
Bulk carrier Santa Paula received a call from the Coastguard to assist and in the early hours of 9th December 2014 they reached OysterShack. Sadly whilst trying to take Mads off the boat, OysterShack was damaged and it was deemed unsafe for the remaining crew to continue. All crew members – Paul Williams, Matt Inglesby, Christophe Legeais, Kevin Doyle and Mads Fabricius – were taken off the boat and are safe and well onboard the vessel Santa Paula. Skipper Paul called in just before 0300hrs to confirm the news. They are headed for Brazil and due to arrive there later this week.
Obviously the fact that everyone is well is most important but sadly it is also the end of the row for them too. The Toby Wallace are still continuing to Barbados but are very saddened to hear the news.
Unfortunately today the Toby Wallace has now also been stopped by weather conditions and are sitting it out on para-anchor and holding position until the weather changes. The forecast is looking better for tomorrow so they hope to be able to get some decent mileage in the coming days and make it to Barbados soon!
Paul Williams, OysterShack skipper, said that the crew responded well despite the difficult situation overnight, working well together and kept calm and their humour! Now that Mads is onboard the bulk carrier in clean, dry conditions they will continue to monitor his sores but the hope is that they improve in the coming days. They have all been fed and rested and are keen to make land so they can get home as soon as possible. Obviously disappointed, they are all now making plans to be with loved ones for Christmas to compensate for what has been a hell of a journey so far!
We are very grateful to MRCC Falmouth Coastguard for their assistance in this matter and to the Santa Paula and her crew. The most important thing is that everyone is safe and well. They are also incredibly grateful for all the messages of support that have been coming in – many thanks.
Come on Toby Wallace!!
