The Skandia Ocean Row team’s record-attempt to shatter ocean-rowing records has been abandoned due to gear failure.

After having completed exactly half of their 2,100-mile Atlantic journey, the intrepid British foursome were yesterday forced to abandon the attempt to complete an ocean crossing in under 55 days. Until yesterday, the crew were still on target to beat this record by more than 10 days.

The rudder, an integral part of the vessel that is used for steering, was damaged in a storm on Sunday night (30 June). After using spare parts kept on board the 30ft rowing boat, the crew were initially successful in repairing the damage. However, the force of the water on the weakened rudder was too much, and it broke again.

The shore crew were immediately notified, and a recovery plan has been set in motion to rescue the crew this evening. The crew are all well, and in no immediate danger; they are in constant communication with their shore crew.

The four-man team, led by Poole-based fire fighter Mark Stubbs, including George Rock (Teesside), Nigel Morris (Teesside) and Rob Munslow (Monmouth) set off from Newfoundland, Canada on the 11 June and were aiming to be the first rowing boat ever to make landfall in Great Britain.