Fryderyk Chopin - from the perspective of Sennen Lifeboat coxswain, Terry George.

Skipper Shaun Edwards

 

The Nova Spero in Newlyn this morning.

Although the events last weekend hit the national media briefly as the local fishing boat Nova Spero contended with a Force 9 gale going to the aid of the dismasted Fryderyk Chopin 100 miles off the Scillies - 37 young Polish students were more than grateful to skipper Shaun and his crew for coming to their aid. 

Taking over from the St Mary's lifeboat on Saturday afternoon, the Sennen lifeboat continued to escort the tow for some 15 hours. In this report sent in to Through the Gaps, Sennen lifeboat coxswain Terry George commends skipper Edwards on his actions in successfully coming to aid the tall ship and acting in accordance to the wishes of the master of the Fryderyk Chopin. This was after the larger French trawler, Bara an Aod had failed to attach a tow to the tall ship - as a footnote the same French trawler was subsequently involved in a collision with Route du Rhum yacht race contestant, Un Monde Bleu tout en Vert, on Sunday night, the sole crew Christine Monlouis was then taken on board.

Bara an Aod

Fryderyk Chopin incident.

"The Fryderyk Chopin was partially dismasted in bad weather some 90 odd
miles southwest of Scilly early on Friday 29th October. The vessel had a
total of 47 persons on board; 36 teenage cadets and 11 crew. Several merchant vessels responded to the ship`s request for assistance along with a French stern trawler and the Newlyn netter Nova Spero. The Fryderyk Chopin - at 48m in length - was in no immediate danger. The steel hull was intact and sound and no-one had been injured in the incident. As a lot of rigging and spars were over the side, the Captain considered if he used his engine his propeller would become fouled - consequently he needed a tow to safety.

Clearly the merchant vessels were unsuitable to tow the Fryderyk Chopin - the French trawler had several attempts to pass a line but conditions were too poor and he gave up. The Nova Spero arrived on scene and succeeded in establishing a tow. The Captain of the FC reiterated that all persons were safe and well aboard the ship and no-one needed evacuation. He - correctly - maintained this stance right through the operation.

A Sea King helicopter had been staged to St Mary`s in case it was needed, but was later stood down. St Mary`s RNLI Lifeboat launched mid afternoon on 29th and after a five hour passage in severe conditions, arrived with the FC and Nova Spero around 2000 on 29th. The lifeboat escorted the tow through the night and was released Saturday morning as conditions moderated.

With southeasterly gales forecast, the Coastguard requested Sennen Cove RNLI lifeboat to launch on Saturday afternoon. After a 2 hour passage, the lifeboat was with the flotilla ( now including the salvage tug Independence) at 1700. The lifeboat escorted through the night in poor conditions and was relieved at 0730 on Sunday morning by Falmouth RNLI lifeboat. During 15 hours on scene, the tow had made good 21 miles over the ground. Falmouth lifeboat remained with the flotilla in improved conditions until arrival at Falmouth first light Monday morning. The Independence suffered a steering failure during Saturday night following shipping a sea across her stern and made her way into Mount`s Bay for repairs. She was not available until midnight Sunday, by which time the tow was in Falmouth bay. 

In my opinion, the skipper and crew of the Nova Spero offered the only available solution to this situation on the day in question. The tow was carried out over a period of 72 hours or so in an extremely professional manner in, at times, very difficult conditions. The master of the Fryderyk Chopin was in full control of the situation at all times and was the man `calling the tune`, as was his right.

It was difficult to understand from ashore why he did not evacuate the youngsters - once on scene in the lifeboat, it was obvious that they were much safer where they were, rather than risking evacuation which would inevitably have carried significant risks.

So Shaun Edwards and his crews are heroes in Poland - so they should be. If I had had teenagers aboard that boat, I would consider them heroes too.

Terry George
Coxswain
Sennen Cove Lifeboat.