After more than a year of rowing solo across the Pacific Ocean – in an attempt to become the youngest person to do so – this is not the ending Aussie adventurer Tom Robinson would have wanted.
Just over a week ago, the young Australian was in Vanuatu, where he said an approximately two-month last leg of the journey – from Luganville to Queensland – would “make or break” the attempt. Sadly, it was the latter.
This morning, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer rescued the 24-year-old south of Vanuatu after it received a plea for assistance from the New Caledonia Marine Rescue Coordination Centre overnight.
Upon receiving the call, the ship immediately diverted course to help. When it arrived on the scene, it found the Brisbane rower’s boat overturned.
According to P&O Australia, in challenging conditions, the Explorer’s crew was able to bring Robinson onboard for medical attention, fresh clothes and a warm meal.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our crew, led by Captain Alan Nixon, for their efforts to once again rescue a fellow mariner in distress, as well as our guests onboard for their understanding,” a P&O Cruises Australia spokesperson said.
Robinson relieved
In a statement, Robinson offered a “huge thank you to all the crew on P&O Pacific Explorer whose seamanship and professionalism ensured a safe rescue”.
“Once aboard I was treated with the utmost courtesy and kindness by the medical staff. Many, many thanks to P&O for everything they have done for me,” he said.
While Tom is suffering sunburn and dehydration, he is otherwise in good health, a source close to the matter said.
He probably also got the glass of water “with some ice in it” that he said in Vanuatu he was really looking forward to upon completion of his journey.
This is the second time in two weeks the Pacific Explorer has assisted a vessel in distress in the South Pacific.
Carrying 2,000 guests, the ship has continued on its way to Auckland as part of a nine-day round-trip voyage.
