Solitary Sailor Narrowly Escapes Disaster as Storm Wrecks Boat on Rocks

A lone sailor is rescued by the RNLI after his vessel founders in a 70-knot storm. Activation of the EPIRB saves his life on Fuday's rocks.

• Gale-force winds of seventy knots battered, but I was sheltered on my Rival 34, the Soldemar
• The situation's intensity caused my bow line to slow and the anchor to drag
• The windlass couldn't withstand the anchor and chain's resistance on the seabed, burning out its motor
• Alone, I couldn't stabilize the boat with the engine while also operating the windlass
• Adrenaline surged: too busy to fear, despite the terrifying scenario
• The boat was tossed like a ragdoll
• Suddenly, the chain jumped out of the windlass, unspooling to the line connected to the boat
• The ride ended with a thunderous crash
• Due to wind and waves, I couldn't beat upwind to seek shelter
• Soon, the vessel struck submerged rocks
• The keel tilted nearly 90 degrees, its creaks and groans indescribable
• It felt like the end
• I gave full throttle, slowly and painfully freeing the boat from the rocks
• Then, the engine died
• I nearly lost my head