News

At 0350 GMT on Thursday 30 April 2009, Britons Ben Steadman, originally from Weymouth and Mark Davis from Southampton, in Pairs Class Boat, Boat No. 1, ‘Doing Time’ were rescued 180nm from the start

Prison Service Senior Physical Education Officers, Ben and Mark have been plagued with bad luck right from the start of the inaugural Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009.  Yesterday brought yet another major blow to their campaign, when the pintles holding the rudder to their boat broke.

At 0016GMT last night, Ben and Mark also reported the loss of their para-anchor, an essential piece of equipment that when deployed in strong weather conditions, helps to prevent the boat from negative drift.

The Race Support Vessel ‘Desiderata’, which had been diverted to provide assistance to Doing Time, stood by while the team carried out a more in-depth assessment of the situation.

After considering all the options, Ben and Mark made the difficult decision to call it a day and were taken onboard the Race Support Vessel.  Their boat, Doing Time has been cast adrift but will continue to be tracked by the Race Office while all possible options to salvage the boat are considered.

For further information, please contact:

Woodvale Challenge Press Officer pressofficer@woodvale-challenge.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1752 852230
URL: www.indianoceanrowingrace09.com