Rescued rowers: We'd do it all again

Four British rowers dramatically plucked from heavy seas after their boat split in two said today they would do it all again as they arrived back on dry land.

Speaking from the port of Foynes in the Shannon estuary, skipper Mark Stubbs, 40, said he felt lucky to be alive.

Describing the moment 60ft rogue waves smashed into their vessel, the Pink Lady, he said: “The most frightening part was opening a hatchway door, letting the water in and going out into violent seas.

“We took every precaution we could but when struck with a rogue wave all we could do was cling on as best we could.”

Times journalist Jonathan Gornall, 48, described his relief at seeing rescuers arrive.

“I just remember being under the surface, holding my breath,” he said. “But the highlight of the whole trip was the sight and sound of an RAF Nimrod - I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life.”

The men said it was ex-SAS diver 48-old-year Pete Bray’s jokes and silly stories which kept them alive as they clung to their life raft.

Mapping specialist John Wills, 33, said: “Going to sleep is the worst thing you can do because you don’t wake up. Peter saved us by chatting and keeping each other alert.”

Asked if they would do it again, Mr Bray said: “I hate failure so for me it’s unfinished business.”

Mr Stubbs also did not rule out taking on the seas again.

“I have a wife and two beautiful daughters waiting for me at home, so it’s time now to go home and reflect on it all, but I cannot rule doing it all again.”

The men were rescued by a Danish cargo ship The Scandinavian Reefer, after six hours spent clinging to a life raft.