Crew 'safe and well' after UK Coastguard coordinated search for yacht in international waters

The UK Coastguard has been coordinating a long range search and rescue incident involving the sailing yacht Clyde Challenger currently 365NM off Cape Finisterre. There are 14 people on board, 13 of whom are UK citizens.

At around 8pm last night, the yacht broadcast a Mayday on VHF radio which was picked up by a nearby vessel. Communications were subsequently established with the vessel through a Hercules C130 aircraft sent from RAF Brize Norton.

The crew is safe and well and is currently assessing its next steps. Weather conditions are challenging but a cargo vessel is on the scene and providing some shelter.


Kaimes Beasley, UK Coastguard Duty Controller said ‘The weather conditions on scene are quite challenging with force 6- 7 winds, rough seas and poor to moderate visibility.  We are in contact with a number of national and international search and rescue partners and other organisations, including the owner of the vessel, to bring this operation to a safe and successful conclusion.'


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