A French racing yacht, which grounded off the west coast of Guernsey, has been successfully refloated.
In the early hours of Sunday (26 October), a trimaran capsized while competing in a transatlantic race.
Its crew were airlifted to safety, and the vessel drifted ashore at Perelle.
After an inspection by Guernsey Ports, plans to refloat the yacht were developed.
The operation involved the vessel’s shore crew, Guernsey Harbours, States Works and Bob Froome & Sons.
Around 7 am this morning (29 October), the 50ft trimaran was refloated and towed by the shore crew’s support vessel, Express, for six hours back to St Peter Port Harbour.
Guernsey Ports used a harbour crane to right the vessel.
The trimaran is now on its journey back to France.
Acting Harbour Master James Way says the mission was a success.
“This has been a complex operation carried out safely and efficiently thanks to the skill and cooperation of everyone involved.
“From the initial Coastguard response through to the refloating and righting of the trimaran, the teamwork, professionalism and seamanship has been exemplary.
I’m pleased that a potentially serious incident at sea has been brought to a positive conclusion.”
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