A DRAMATIC international rescue operation was launched after an Inverkip yacht got into difficulty in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Clyde Challenger, which is based at Kip Marina, had 14 sailors on board when disaster struck on Saturday afternoon as the vessel headed towards the UK from the Azores.

During the treacherous journey, the yacht suffered significant damage following days of strong winds and heavy seas. 

In a race against time to save those on board, the crew of Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon, which was 500 miles away, worked with UK and US aircraft as well as merchant shipping vessels to locate and rescue those on the stricken yacht.

Petty Officer Max Grosse, the Chief Bosun’s Mate on board HMS Dragon, said the ship sprinted at 30 knots through the turbulent seas to reach the yacht before dark.

He said: “When we arrived on scene it was clear the yacht had lost its mast and looked in a pretty desperate state after nearly 48 hours drifting in the challenging conditions.

“We were however hugely relieved to see all 14 crew alive and well.

“Despite racing through the night we only had three hours of daylight remaining in which to safely remove the crew. Luckily, HMS Dragon is 
fitted with two large sea boats capable of carrying six passengers each. 

“We were able to use both boats to transfer the crew as quickly as possible. 

“The prevailing weather conditions and notorious Atlantic swell made it enormously challenging though and really tested the skills of my experienced sea boat coxswains.” 

Those on board had fortunately suffered only minor injuries during the ordeal, but the yacht’s Master determined the Clyde Challenger could not be safely recovered to the mainland.

The effort therefore shifted to extracting the 14 members of crew to the safety of the 8,500-tonne warship. 

Once safely on board HMS Dragon the relieved crew were given medical attention, hot food and the opportunity to call loved ones at home.

Captain Craig Wood, HMS Dragon’s Commanding Officer, said: “I am delighted HMS Dragon was able to provide vital assistance on this occasion and am rightly proud of the efforts of my sailors in rising to this challenge.”