Tall Ship Astrid

Tall Ship Astrid was on a voyage from Southampton to Cherbourg calling in to Kinsale. On board were 23 trainees from France, Ireland, the Netherlands, UK and Spain. The crew were from Belgium and the captain, Pieter de Kam was from the Netherlands.

As the Astrid was leaving Oysterhaven, as part of The Gathering Cruise parade of sail in to Kinsale, the vessel experienced engine failure. They notified a nearby RIB which was being helmed by ISA (Irish Sailing Association) CEO Harry Hermon. The RIB attempted to take a line from Astrid however due to the onshore winds and swell this was not possible. Captain de Kam issued a May Day.

The ISA RIB and the yachts in The Gathering Cruise flotilla stood by until the RNLI arrived. There was a safe rescue of all 30 crew who were brought to Kinsale on board the yacht Spirit of Oysterhaven and the lifeboat. All crew were brought to Kinsale Yacht Club where they were provided with showers, food and dry clothing. They were all medically checked and are in good health.

Sail Training Ireland and Kinsale Yacht Club are working together to make arrangements for accommodation and for returning the crew to their homes.

Commenting on the rescue, Captain Pieter de Kam, Tall Ship Astrid stated "I would like to thank the lifeboat and the Coastguard for the safe rescue of all my crew. We very much appreciate their outstanding work".

Harry Hermon, CEO, Irish Sailing Association commented "It is thanks to the rescue services that all crew were rescued quickly and safely without injury. I would also like to thank all the sailors from the Gathering Cruise who stood by Astrid providing support to the crew. Kinsale Yacht Club has also been fantastic providing food and clothing and helping Sail Training Ireland find accommodation for all the crew".

The Gathering Cruise will continue on to the Glandore Classic Boat regatta on Friday 26 July. The cruisers have a further week to cruise at leisure the Cork and Kerry coastlines before rallying again in Dingle for the farewell gathering reception.