Japan rescues British rower hit in Pacific storm
Jun 8, 2012, 4:48 PM
Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) – The Japanese coast guard Friday rescued a British adventurer caught in a storm while rowing solo across the Pacific, and another British rower was awaiting rescue.
Sarah Outen’s blog said her boat rolled over and was damaged in the storm during her attempted journey around the world.
On Friday, she tweeted: “Hooray 4 Japanese always being early!” That was followed by an announcement that she was safe on the rescue ship. The coast guard said she was walking on her own and appeared relatively healthy.
She had signaled for help on Thursday morning 900 kilometers (560 miles) off Japan’s northeastern coast, saying water was seeping through a hole in her boat, according to the coast guard.
Another vessel was headed to rescue Charlie Martell, who got caught up in the same storm. His boat, Blossom, was 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) off northeastern Japan, the coast guard said.
Outen embarked on her planned 2 1/2-year journey in April 2011. She is trying to circle the globe using only human power, cycling, rowing and kayaking more than 32,000 kilometers (20,000 miles).
Martell said on his website that he planned to row “solo and unsupported” across the Pacific. The coast guard’s ship was expected to reach Martell’s boat Saturday.
Outen likely won’t return to shore until Saturday, the coast guard said.
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