Octogenarian Yachtsman on Ocean Passage Rescued

The 83-year-old British man was homeward bound from the Azores Islands when his yacht became disabled through storm damage.

The crew of the Russian warship Vice-Admiral Kulakov responded to the lone yachtsman's MAYDAY call from his yacht Elixir in the North Sea.

The yachtsman was given medical aid, telling the Russian sailors his yacht was pounded by a strong gale more than ten days ago while traveling to the UK from the Azores Islands. The yacht engine and electric equipment were disabled, and the main sail was torn.

The Russian sailors brought hot food and drugs to the yacht. Ship technicians repaired the yacht's electric equipment and started up its engine. The warship command got in touch with the British Coast Guard to report the situation, and later the man was was taken off by a British Coast Guard cutter.

The Vice-Admiral Kulakov continued its voyage towards its Severomorsk base.