Global Challenge yacht in emergency rescue

by BW Media on 4 Oct 2009 One of the famed BT Challenger yachts, The ‘Elinca’ , 67 ft steel cutter, transmitted an emergency broadcast for assistance at 8.50am yesterday (Saturday) after it suffered a gearbox failure off the Scottish Isle of Lewis and was caught on a lee shore.

The ex-BT challenger yacht, which has twice sailed around the world under the name Time and Tide, the 'Elinca' is owned and crewed by father and son Angus and Innes Smith, Stornoway, Scotland.

The yacht, which had a total of 13 crew aboard, contacted Stornoway coastguard at 9.50am to report that they were anchored in the mouth of Loch Tealasbhaigh on the island's west coast.

With a swell reaching around seven to eight metres and gale force 8 winds, gusting to severe gale force 9 and storm force 10, the 'Elinca' had lowered both anchors which were holding the vessel off the shore.

However, if either anchor were to break, the vessel could be blown onto the rocky shoreline within a matter of minutes.

And prevailing winds have meant that the yacht was unable to make for open waters without assistance.

Stornoway's RNLI Tom Sanderson lifeboat was launched at 10.05am and Stornoway Coastguard search and rescue Sikorsky 92 helicopter was also tasked to attend the scene.

The remote location of this incident meant that a Stornoway Coastguard rescue helicopter took three hours to fly to the scene and airlift five non-essential crew to safety.

The remaining eight crew are standing by for the arrival of the Stornoway RNLI lifeboat, who expect to reach the yacht early this afternoon.

The volunteer crew of Stornoway RNLI will assist the 'Elinca' from her berth by tow, before escorting her around the Butt of Lewis and back to Stornoway harbour.

Stornoway Coastguard Watch Manager Dave MacBeth said: 'This area is particularly demanding in getting resources to the scene of any incident.

“Mountains and barren moorland surround these lochs and are only accessible by a rough 14 mile track.”

“Thankfully the vessel currently remains held by his anchors."