Breaking news: Tom Dolan forced to abandon

By Thomas Howson — La Solitaire du Figaro

While sailing in the lead alongside Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire), Tom Dolan (Kingspan) ran aground at 00:16 on the Chaussée de Sein, just off Beg ar C’hale on the Île de Sein. ©Thomas Campion

The skipper initially attempted to free his boat from this predicament, but the falling tide worked against him. With assistance from the SNSM rescue service based on Île de Sein, Tom deployed both anchors to try stabilising his yacht and manoeuvre with the rising tide. Unfortunately, he couldn’t break free from this trap.

After five hours of effort and at 05:40 this morning, the Irish skipper was winched aboard a French Navy helicopter as the situation became increasingly precarious for both him and his boat. The skipper is safe and well, and will be returning to dry land. The Irishman’s race has come to an end, and with it, his chances of securing a second victory have slipped away on the Breton coast. More details to follow.

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Originally published in French by La Solitaire du Figaro.