The Dutch Sail Training Ship, Astrid, a 136′ (41.65 M) brig, was lost this morning after running aground on rocks on the western mouth of Oysterhaven, on the Cork, Ireland coast, shortly after leaving the anchorage this morning. Thirty crew and trainees were rescued by the the RNLI Courtmacsherry all-weather lifeboat and a local sail training vessel, Spirit of Oysterhaven, after the Astrid began to sink in force five to six winds.
Thirty crew rescued after tall ship hits rocks off Cork coast
The waters off the southern Irish coast can be treacherous. One report by uptherockies places the wreck of the Astrid on the Sovereign Rocks at Oysterhaven near Kinsale, Cork where the Falls of Garry was wrecked on October 20, 1911.
The Astrid was participating in the Gathering Cruise preceding the Gathering Regatta at Kinsale.
The Astrid‘s history, from the At Sea Sail Training website:
The Astrid was built in 1918 as a freight logger in a Dutch shipyard. The ship was sold of due to the decease of the Swedish Captain Albert Edmund Frohm and the diminished demand for coasters of this seize. Since 1970 it sailed under the Lebanese flag and the wildest rumours were spread involving drug smuggling. Below the English coast a fierce fire aboard the ship ended the alleged practices. The pensioned English Marine Officers Graham Neilson and John Amos (from Class Yachts Endeavour) saved the iron body from the breakers. The Astrid was completely renovated and equipped with impressive brig rigging. Nowadays it has returned sailing under the Dutch flag.
Thanks to Alaric Bond for passing on the news.
It was extremely sad to read this report as this is the area where we have our family home in Ireland in fact BA Chart 2049 is here on the bulkhead beside my desk.. Thankfully all hands seem to have made it safely. As usual the Irish Branch of RNLI and local seafarers responded in the best traditions of the sea, supported by the Irish Naval Service.
On the other hand it is very disturbing to read once again of sail training vessels and sailing vessels in general being lost in various parts of the world. Perhaps there needs to be an immediate conference of those concerned to assess the skills and training of persons in charge. Also the conditions under which these sailing vessels may proceed to sea and indeed remain at sea under adverse conditions. NAUTICAL LOG as a long serving seafarer (50 years professionally) with considerable experience as a safety instructor stands ready to assist should that be thought helpful. To the rescuers a hearty well done!!
Good Watch
One was remiss not to recognize and compliment the Irish Coast Guard amongst those who assisted in the rescue again hearty well done!!
Good Watch
Here is how she looked in Malta last year http://www.flickr.com/photos/53789403@N00/7296237236/in/photolist-c7K88J
I sailed on several sail training boats some years ago as engineer. The permanent crews I met were very dedicated and professional. Unfortunately the effect of very tight budgets and the little blue cap and funny beard brigade (Who look and talk the part) can result in risk taking beyond what is reasonable. Luckily, this time, the weather was kind and rescue services near to hand.
I actually was on my daily walk and came across this. Sad to hear about the boat but thankfully no one was injured.