www.oceanrowing.com
Dec. 16, 2000
It's touch and go for a Utah man who is trying to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a small rowboat.
Richard Jones is in the midst of a powerful storm that temporarily overturned his small boat and barely kept him afloat.
That caused his satellite tracking system to lose his signal.
News Specialist Sam Penrod has details.
57- year old Richard Jones set out in October to become the oldest man to ever row across the Atlantic.
Just last weekend he passed a significant milestone, crossing the halfway point of his journey.
VOICE OF RICHARD JONES/VIA SATELLITE PHONE/DEC 10: "TODAY IS TWO MONTHS OUT. I'M ABOUT A DAY OFF, ABOUT 60 MILES OFF MY SCHEDULE. TO BE AT 2,000 MILES, WE SHOULD BE ARRIVING IN MIAMI ABOUT THE FIRST WEEK IN FEBRUARY. SO WE'RE OVER THE HUMP NOW. IT'S ALL DOWNHILL NOW."
But Jones latest message posted on his website shows this week has been an uphill battle.
He says "My boat was being pounded most unmercifully. The waves seemed to be coming from all directions."
This is a satellite photo of the storm Jones is in the middle of the Atlantic.
He says because of the weather he will have to stay inside his boat's cabin until Monday.
Jones family spent today waiting by the phone for news on their father.
Susan Jones/Rower's Daughter: WE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO TO CALL OUT THE COAST GUARD OR JUST SET TIGHT, BUT LUCKILY HE DID CALL.
Scott Jones/Rower's Son: HE SAID HE WAS A LITTLE DEVASTATED, A LITTLE SHOOK UP AND TO HEAR STUFF LIKE THAT COMING FROM HIM MAKES YOU THINK THAT SOMETHING PRETTY BIG IS GOING ON.
Jones has a satellite phone and a satellite tracking system on his boat, "The Brother of Jared."
He also has an independent communications system he can use if he needs help.
Jones' last line of his latest e-mail message reads:
"It's survival time. I'm making it, but I must admit to being a bit shaken by my current events."
And for now, Jones appears to be ready to endure the rough waters to reach his goal of rowing across the ocean.
Jones hopes to reach the Florida coast in early February.
Link:
