British rowers abandon Mauritius bid from WA

Two British rowers attempting to set a world record rowing trip from WA to Mauritius have been towed to shore by a fishing boat only a day after they left Geraldton.

Cancer survivor Ashley Wilson and full-time adventurer James Ketchell set off from Geraldton on Monday on their 5800km trip dubbed “Nothing’s Impossible”.

But, just a day into their journey, the pair called for help after equipment failure meant they would be unable to keep a log of their journey.

Mr Ketchell and Mr Wilson were about 30km north of North Island and had been at sea for about 22 hours when they were towed back by a fishing boat.

Mr Ketchell told Seven News they had been on “record pace” before their boat’s guidance system malfunctioned, meaning they were unable to carry out several electricity-based tasks including plotting their journey.

He said he and Mr Wilson planned to attempt the world record for a second time next week after fixing the equipment.

“Technically we could have carried on but out objective here is to try and break the record. The fact that we weren’t really that far out meant we could come back,” he said.

Mr Ketchell said he was “tired, cold and wet” but in good spirits despite the failed attempt.

Geraldton Sea Rescue member Delma Shuttleworth said the pair made contact with Geraldton Yacht Club about 11am yesterday asking for help to get back to the port.

Ms Shuttleworth said that given the pair was not in any immediate danger, volunteers would be unavailable to reach them until mid-afternoon.

A nearby fishing charter towed the rowers to shore and was paid a fee.

“We went out there and when we did we found they were in tow and the boat was happy to continue that tow,” Ms Shuttleworth said.

The rowers were attempting to row to become the fastest pair to make the crossing to Mauritius by completing their journey in less than 85 days.

The trip was raising money for the Young Epilepsy, ELIFAR Foundation, and the Scout Association.