This morning, Monday 16 January, STAVROS S NIARCHOS rescued two American female rowers taking part in the Trans-Atlantic Rowing Race 2006. The events started yesterday, Sunday 15 January 2006, when at 1649 Hours GMT a 406 Mhz EPIRB activation alert was picked up by the US Coastguard registered to American Fire Atlantic Challenge crewed by American women, Sarah Kessans and Emily Kohl.

STAVROS S NIARCHOS was mid-Atlantic on her voyage to Barbados from Tenerife when she was contacted by the US Coastguard. As the closest vessel to the emergency signal Capt Darren Naggs immediately offered to assist and the crew sprung in to action to turn the ship around and head off 120Nm to the east.

At approximately 0930 hours GMT on Monday 16 January 2006, Emily and Sarah were located and safely rescued by  the crew of the STAVROS. A US coastguard aircraft was in position and once STAVROS arrived on the scene, the aircraft dropped a red flare so the Captain could easily locate the girls position.

Emily Kohl (Left) and Sarah Kessons (right) pictured on board STAVROS S NAIRCHOS recovering after their dramatic rescue.

Sarah and Emily were found clinging to the upturned hull of their rowing boat American Fire Atlantic Challenge. They had been there for 16 hours but fortunately they were unharmed, but a little shaken, and desperately disappointed that their voyage should end in this way. It appears that American Fire Atlantic Challenge capsized in very extreme conditions late yesterday afternoon.  Sarah and Emily said the reason that the boat did not self-right was due to the water coming in through the ventilating fans, not through an open cabin hatch as previously reported.

Captain Darren Naggs, master of STAVROS S NIARCHOS said “ All the crew worked very hard throughout the night to re-set the sails as we had to change course for the rescue area. When we arrived this morning Emily and Sarah, although cold and tired, were very relived to see us. As there was a rough sea we had to stream our 5 man life raft astern of us and the girls had to jump in. We recovered them on board and they received a huge applause and cheer from STAVROS’ crew.  We gave them blankets, a cup of tea and a big breakfast before putting them into warm beds. I think after a rest, they’ll be up for getting involved with our voyage and will give sailing a tall ship a go!

Emily and Sarah jumping off AMERICAN FIRE into STAVROS' liferaft in 3m high swell.

Capt Darren continued: “This is exactly what sail training and life at sea is all about – camaraderie, team work and everyone helping each other. STAVROS’ sixty-seven crew have been really pleased that they were able to help, straight away their first concerns were for the safety of the American Fire crew”.

No strangers to high sea rescues, STAVROS S NIARCHOS and sister ship PRINCE WILLIAM are registered as Auxiliary Coastguard Vessels in recognition of their ability to help those in danger, even in bad conditions and when others may not be capable or prepared to undertake such a rescue. The courage of the crew was a great reflection on the Tall Ships Youth Trust, whose voyages are designed to encourage teamwork, determination and leadership in a challenging environment.

Well done Captain Darren and the crew of STAVROS S NIARCHOS!

See the Voyage Diary for the view straight from the voyage crew!

For more information please contact Jo Wheeler, PR and Events Manager on 023 9283 2055, jo.wheeler@tallships.org.