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THE 'Spirit of Mystery' is heading for the
Australian coast after being hit by a freak wave which resulted in a
crew member breaking his leg.
The
37ft Cornish Lugger, skippered by Pete Goss, was sailing in strong
winds and high seas about 300 miles south west off South Australia on
Tuesday when she was struck by the wave.
The
vessel was knocked over and Pete's brother-in-law, Mark Maidment
suffered a fracture to his right leg between knee and ankle.
Mark was taken below and treated by the crew who administered morphine and applied a splint.
The
crew were able to contact their support team in Melbourne via the
satellite telephone who alerted the Australian Maritime Safety
Authority (AMSA).
The initial plan was to sail closer to the Australian coast to
enable Mark to be airlifted to the mainland but helicopter transfers
carry their own risks and Mark's condition is stable and comfortable.
Instead
the Spirit of Mystery, which is recreating the voyage in 1854 from
Newlyn to Melbourne by seven Cornish fishermen, is heading for Portland
in South Australia where Mark can be taken ashore for treatment.
Communications
with the vessel are sporadic but they have intimated that the remainder
of the crew are fine and at present the boat is sound and seaworthy and
making good progress in improved conditions towards Australia.
Pete
Goss said of the moment the wave hit: "We had just come out of a storm
that had lasted for two and a half days and given us a right old
pasting when we were hit by a freak wave.
"There was no warning, just a huge wall of water that smashed into the boat rolling her more than 90 degrees onto her side.
"There
was carnage below with water everywhere but the boat was fantastic
though and I wouldn't have wanted to be in any other. She just shook
herself off and came upright; but when she did, Mark's leg was broken."
Once
they have reached Portland, it is the crew's intention to continue
towards Melbourne where they hope to arrive next Tuesday, March 10.
Further news will be given as and when it becomes available via the team's website: www.petegoss.com.
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