YACHT CREW RESCUED AFTER CAPSIZE

Sunday, November 23, 2008
Posted 15:03 GMT

Four sailors including a 15-year-old boy were rescued after their racing yacht capsized in gale-force winds off Plymouth. They are all from the Plymouth area.

At 10.50 this morning the crew of the 25ft yacht Gordon Rose were sailing downwind in Plymouth Sound on Sunday morning trying to reduce sail when a gust of more than 50mph knocked the boat over to its starboard side.
The crew of a nearby vessel the `West End Girl alerted Brixham Coastguard and they were about to broadcast a Mayday signal into the area, when it became apparent that the Plymstock based fireboat `Vigiles was already on scene and their crew recovered all four individuals to their vessel. The Police launch `Excalibur also began to proceed to the location.
Weather in the area is particularly choppy with northwest winds force 7 to severe gale 9 forecast, perhaps storm 10 for a time later in west, veering northeast 6 to gale 8 later. The seas are rough to very rough out to sea whilst the Sound is relatively protected. Squally showers are also passing.

The Plymouth lifeboat and inshore lifeboat along with the MOD Police Launch assisted in recovering the yacht to a safe haven at Bovisands.

Andy Huber, Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager said

All four men are safe and well, and all were wearing buoyancy aids. They were well experienced and taking part in races in the Sound. Unfortunately the weather overtook them and out thanks are to those who responded so promptly.

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401