Rescue mission for RNLI fundraising rowers

ROWERS raising money for lifeboat charity RNLI learned just how vital the organisation is when they got into difficulty in rough seas.

At about 9am yesterday, 3 Peaks Row, a four-strong group doing a charity row, run and cycle from Fort William to Barmouth in Wales, lost their boat's rudder and were caught in rough water off the Mull of Galloway.

The skipper called Clyde Coastguard which asked Portpatrick RNLI to rescue the 10-metre ocean-going rowing boat.

Rescuers towed it to Drummore village at Stranraer for repairs. Clyde Coastguard watch officer Irene Reid said: "They were well prepared, with the appropriate safety and communications equipment, which enabled us to locate them and provide help quickly."

The group hopes to raise 40,000 for charity.