Ukrainian rowers restart their Atlantic challenge with damaged and patched-up boat
Two Ukrainian rowers are believed to have restarted a 3,000-mile attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean after they had to be rescued just days into their initial attempt due to issues with their boat.
They were part of the Row4Ukraine team, led by Lee Spencer, a former Royal Marine and current Yeoman Warder.
Against the advice of others involved, the Ukrainian pair took days to salvage the damaged boat and after patching over the disintegrating deck they look to be continuing, said Mr Spencer.
Mr Spencer posted the latest update on Instagram, thanking people for their support following the initial withdrawal and added: "The official Row4Ukraine is now over. We will pause fundraising efforts until further notice and return home to regroup."
The team of British veterans and Ukrainians, all of whom bear the physical and emotional scars of conflict, wanted to row the Atlantic to raise awareness of the human cost of the ongoing war in Ukraine, while also raising funds for the Invictus Games Foundation.
However, their crossing was an independent venture and was not linked to the World's Toughest Row, which is currently underway.
Mr Spencer was joined by Ukrainian volunteer soldier Semen Lagun, British veteran Andy Merry and Ukrainian marine corps veteran Ivan Gavrylko.
"In my view, based on the condition of the boat when we stopped the row, this attempt may not only endanger the lives of the rowers, but potentially the lives of those that may have to come to their rescue," said Mr Spencer.
"We have informed the local coast guard and have set the tracker to ping every six hours for their own safety.
"We have engaged with organisers of the safety equipment on board, thanks to the Row4Ukraine supporters, to ensure that they have continued access to features the rowers will require in case of difficulties. We wish them a safe crossing."
Following the rescue last week, Mr Spencer told BFBS Forces News that to carry on would have been "stupid and dangerous" as they would have moved out of range of ocean rescue.
"The decision to abandon the ship was very, very easy," he said. "It was really [a] black and white decision. You just can't carry on an ocean row on a boat you can't steer."
Mr Spencer said he was told by Gran Canaria's search and rescue that the team was on the edge of the "bubble" from which they could be saved and was told he needed to make a call now or not at all.
"There wasn't an imminent danger to life, but that situation changes the moment you get out of range of search and rescue," he said.
"The priority is always the care and the crew's safety, and as disappointed as I am with how things turned out, you've always got to think in terms of [things] could've been a hell of a lot worse."
Correction: This article initially stated Row4Ukraine was taking part in the World's Toughest Row. This was incorrect and a mistake. All references have now been removed.
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