Relief as stricken tall ship towed into port

Dozens of teenagers and the crew of a stricken tall ship are safely back on dry land after three days stranded in stormy seas off the coast of Britain.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Nov 2010, 08:23 BST

Updated 2nd Nov 2010, 08:23 BST

The Fryderyk Chopin got into difficulties on Friday, 93 miles south-west of the Isles of Scilly.

The 180ft long Polish vessel lost its two masts in high winds with 47 people on board including 36 cadets aged between 14 and 16.

The ship is now in Falmouth, Cornwall, where the crew disembarked yesterday.

One of the crew members, Maljolzata Michalkiewicz, 25, said: "We're very happy to be in Falmouth, if a bit tired.

"It was a very well conducted rescue. The cadets were very brave, they spent over three days inside the boat, only allowed outside to use their telephones to let their families know they were OK.

"They've not been put off sailing at all and want to continue their journey, but we don't know yet what chance there is of that."

Coastguard spokesman Fred Caygill said: "From our perspective, we're very pleased that it's been another successful rescue."

Britain Cornwall