Team Philips crew forced to abandon ship in the Atlantic

All of the Team Philips crew have been safely transfered to a German container vessel, the Hoechst Express in the mid-Atlantic after damage was sustained in severe gales.

Team Philips was experiencing very severe gale force winds in the Atlantic. The sea conditions were extreme with short, large waves. She has been hit by a series of large waves over the last few days causing some damage to the central pod which affected the crew's ability to control the boat in storm conditions.

Pete Goss was in communication with the Falmouth Coastguard and decided to issue a Mayday to all shipping.

The decision to transfer from Team Philips was taken in the early hours of the morning. Mark Orr, Managing Director of Goss Challenges, said "It is a difficult decision but we have always underpinned this project with safety and seamanship. It is not a panic decision, but a decision we have taken in the interests of safety."

In the early hours of the morning the German container ship, Hoescht Express, arrived alongside Team Philips and successfully transfered the crew aboard where they will continue with to port at Nova Scotia.

More Information:

• www.teamphilips.com