Atlantic race is hit by tragedy as skipper dies

A tragic week in mid-Atlantic with this announcement from the race organisers of the World’s Toughest Row: “It is with heartfelt sadness that we must convey the news of the death of Alisdair Putt – skipper of the four-person team, Aussie Old Salts.
“On the 4th January 2024 at approx 14:15 hrs UTC, Alisdair suffered what is believed to be a cardiac related event whilst on deck (pending inquiry). Despite the rest of the crew’s continuous efforts, resuscitation was not successful.
“Next of kin have been informed.
“We are in constant contact with the crew, all emergency contacts, as well as the marine rescue co-ordination centres involved, and will continue to support all involved. The crew are now safely onboard a vessel heading for land.”
It added: “This tragedy will of course also have a profound impact on the other 37 teams we have still racing across the Atlantic.
“The family of Alisdair have asked for understanding and support in respecting their privacy during this period of mourning.”
“Our most sincere condolences are wholeheartedly offered to the families, friends and supporters of the Putt family, and the whole of the Aussie Old Salts team.”
A container ship rescued the crew and is en-route to Norway. The crew of four West Australians were Alisdair Putt, Stuart Moore, Andreas Koenig and Alastair Horton.
They were the only Australian ocean rowing crew in the race. The crew has strong connections to Australian military service, including three of them being current and formerly serving Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army members, which inspired their fundraising to support fellow veterans as they transition to civilian life following their service to the nation.
Their fundraising was for a military veterans’ transition centre near Perth and were also fundraising for a remote area (Kimberley) women’s crisis accommodation centre as well.
When I interviewed the crew before the start at San Sebastian de La Gomera they were very secretive about their occupations. It now transpires that Alisdair was a former Australian spy, former ASIO agent, prosecutor and reserve navy officer. At the time of them leaving the race ‘Aussie Old Salts’ were 25th, having rowed 1,215 nautical miles with 1,448 nautical miles to row to the finish with an expected arrival date of February 3.
The rest of the fleet did take ten minutes off the oars at 10 p.m. on January 5 to raise a glass to Alisdair and the ‘Aussie Old Salts’ family.
The race has been a tough time for the crews. The rowing is hard but it is about so much more than rowing. It’s relentless, exhilarating, life affirming but also frightening, frustrating and brutal and full of incidents with the rough seas experienced so far which has included near capsizes.
This week ‘Vibe the Wave’ had an unexpected visitor. Grace, Maddie, and G spotted a Blue Marlin while rowing and were keeping a vigilant eye on the troublesome predator, when the fish struck the vessel, piercing the hull.
With remarkable speed, composure, and decisive actions, the crew promptly addressed the damage, whilst being supported by the organisers’ safety team.
The 38 competing crews, 11 solos, 8 pairs, 6 trios, 12 fours and 1 five, includes just one rower from Devon, Sam Glover from Lynmouth, rowing solo.
The five-boat crew of HMS Oardacious with the crew Rob Clarke, Daniel Seager, Mike Forrester, Ian Allen and Mathew Main are all Royal Navy submariners and crew members Rob Clarke and Mike Forrester have a link to Torbay through their Royal Navy service. Rob was an Assistant Marine Engineer Officer and Mike, currently a Commander, both having served on the now decommissioned submarine HMS Torbay.
Sam Glover, who is in currently in 15th place, leads the solos. HMS Oardacious currently lead the race by over 100 miles. You might think that it isn't a close race. But there is an unseen race that certain people are keeping a very close eye on - namely previous HMS Oardacious crews! And it's very close. Whilst the 2019 crew are a fair way back, last year’s crew are just 20 nautical miles behind this year’s crew.