RHKYC Taiwan Strait Race 2012 - Tipsy Frenz crew return home

by RHKYC Media on 6 Jun 2012 All 11 crew from the yacht Tipsy Frenz which sank in the early hours of 3 June whilst racing to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, arrived back in Hong Kong yesterday from Manila where they were taken after being rescued by a cargo vessel. The happy but tired crew was met at the airport by family, friends and representatives from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

RHKYC Commodore Ambrose Lo said 'At this time our sincere thanks go out to all the agencies and organisations that have assisted with the smooth handling of the situation and would specifically like to mention them by name:

• The Captain and crew of 'Easy Success'
• Richwill Shipping – owners of 'Easy Success'
• Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
• Hong Kong Government Flying Services
• Taiwan Air Force - Search and Rescue
• Hong Kong Immigration Department
• The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines
• The Philippine Bureau of Immigration
• The Philippine Coastguard
• Philhua Shipping Inc – Ship’s agent in Manila
• Yellowbrick – Yacht tracking system

'Tipsy Frenz’ skipper, Leon Chan, and his crew should be commended for their actions throughout their ordeal. The majority of the crew had undergone sea survival training, and protocols and procedures learned and practiced prior to the race doubtless played a large part in the successful recovery of all eleven crew unharmed,' said Commodore Lo.

Speaking at the airport before being whisked off for a celebratory dinner, Leon Chan said 'there are a lot of people to thank: my crew, the RHKYC Crisis Management Team, all of our supporters and of course our rescuers and everyone involved in getting us home.'