Updated 9.29pm
THE CAPTAIN OF Tall Ship Astrid, which ran aground with 30 people on board earlier today, has thanked those involved in their rescue.
Captain Pieter de Kam said this afternoon: “I would like to thank the lifeboat and the Coastguard for the safe rescue of all my crew. We very much appreciate their outstanding work.”
On board the Tall Ship Astrid, which was on a voyage from Southampton to Cherbourg and calling in to Kinsale, were 23 trainees from France, Ireland, the Netherlands, UK and Spain. The crew were from Belgium and Captain De Kam was from the Netherlands.
The vessel experienced engine failure as it was leaving Oysterhaven as part of The Gathering Cruise parade of sail into Kinsale.
Those on board notified a nearby RIB which was being helmed by ISA (Irish Sailing Association) CEO Harry Hermon. The RIB attempted to take a line from Astrid – however, due to the onshore winds and swell this was not possible.
Following this, Captain de Kam issued a mayday signal, and the ISA RIB and the yachts in the Gathering Cruise flotilla stood by until the RNLI arrived.
The rescue teams were able to safely rescue all 30 crew, who were brought to Kinsale on board the yacht Spirit of Oysterhaven and the lifeboat.
They were then brought to Kinsale Yacht Club, where they were provided with showers, food and dry clothing. All of those rescued were given medical checks and found to be in good health.
Sail Training Ireland and Kinsale Yacht Club are working together to make arrangements for accommodation and for returning the crew to their homes.
Harry Hermon, CEO, Irish Sailing Association, said that it is thanks to the rescue services that all crew were rescued quickly and safely without injury.
I would also like to thank all the sailors from the Gathering Cruise who stood by Astrid providing support to the crew. Kinsale Yacht Club has also been fantastic providing food and clothing and helping Sail Training Ireland find accommodation for all the crew.
The Gathering Cruise will continue on to the Glandore Classic Boat regatta on Friday, 26 July.
(uptherockies/YouTube)
First published 5.52pm
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