A Cornish skipper who helped save a stricken Polish tall ship which lost its twin-masts with dozens of children and crew on board in horrendous seas has been hailed a hero in Poland.
Shaun Edwards, skipper of the Newlyn-based Nova Spero, tirelessly fought the elements for three days while towing the Fryderyk Chopin to safety in Falmouth harbour.
The magnificent Polish ship, a sailing training vessel carrying 36 children and 11 crew, was rendered helpless on Friday after winds of gale force nine tore both of her masts off.
Throughout the journey back to harbour, treacherous weather continued to test the maritime skills of those on board the Nova Spiro.
Last night Robert Szaniawski, spokesman at the Polish embassy in London, said his fellow countrymen and women were extremely grateful for Mr Edwards' bravery and for that of everyone involved in the rescue mission.
He said: "In Poland the rescue was observed very closely and there was a lot of media interest and lots of interest from the people. The rescue was very dramatic going through the night in such terrible gales. The skipper of the rescue boat (Nova Spero) worked very hard in terrible conditions and is considered a hero in Poland.
"The people of Poland are very grateful to everyone who helped bring the ship to safety and looked after the young people afterwards."
Mr Edwards downplayed suggestions he was a hero and was more concerned about the state of the Fryderyk Chopin.
He said: "The ship is very, very beautiful. It was such a shame to see it in that state."
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