Intrepid fundraiser Frank in high seas drama as his boat capsizes - twice

Intrepid Oldham sailor Frank Rothwell, who is 73, survived a major scare when his boat capsized twice today (Monday) during his 3,000-mile solo bid to cross the Atlantic, raising funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

In an exclusive interview with Ken Bennett aired on Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm, Frank’s son, Luke, spoke about the drama, saying though the boat went on its side, the Trojan sailor recovered and was fine - despite losing some special momentos given to him for Christmas by his family.

Luke said: "It's been windy and the seas were quite high, so Dad's been getting blown around quite a bit.

"He was on the phone to my sister and said the boat capsized - apparently there was Mars bars flying everywhere!

"Unfortunately a few old momentos went flying overboard which wasn't good.

"He then went to take a break and was going to put his storm anchor down, but while he was doing that the boat capsized again and he was thrown into the sea.

"He was then expecting the boat to be fully upright again, but it was on its side.

"However, he was able to get back in it without too much drama thankfully.

"Again there were Mars bars lying all over the place, but also a Stanley knife blade stuck to the celing."

It sounds like there's more encouraging news on the way on the weather front for Frank, though, as Luke went on to confirm.

Luke added: "The good news is that the weather is going to calm down we're told - he's got past the worst of it now.

"Dad's not hurt in any way. He's been a bit emotional, but he'll soon be bullish again.

"It sounds like Dad is full of adrenaline, and the fact that this has happened means he's not fearful any more.

"All the procedures he trained for have worked.

"It's obviously concerning for the family, but the weather isn't getting worse and worse which is good.

"Losing a few small momentos is hopefully a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things."

Luke concluded: "I think Dad's cap has saved him!

"He probably used it to bail all the water out of the boat."

Alzheimer’s Research UK exists for a cure, and they won’t stop until everyone is free from the heartbreak of dementia.

Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation are generously match-funding the first £100,000 of donations made to Frank's fundraising page.

All donations made to this page will go to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Meanwhile, an update has also just (5pm Monday) been posted on the 'Frank Rothwell - Alzheimer's Research UK' X (formerly Twitter) page.

It read: "Today is day six of the @toughestrow and Frank has travelled more than 242 NM (approx. 278 miles).

"The first few days were hard, with a 14-hour day of rowing on day one, motion sickness, and the boat temporarily capsizing in a storm this morning.

"Frank is safe.

"He wanted to share this honest update about his journey so far and that he is finding the positives in everything and is happy and safe to continue.

"Thank you for your messages of support for Frank - we always look forward to sharing them with him."

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