Madcap Sailor Gets £30,000 Rescue Bill

A lone yachtsman who has been rescued from the Irish Sea half a dozen times in less than two years has been urged to quit sailing by frustrated emergency services.

Madcap matelot Eric Abbott has cost the lifeboat services a staggering £30,000 in rescue fees.

Mr Abbott,56,an unemployed painter,was towed to safety for the sixth time after he got lost aboard his 25ft yacht Plus VAT.

Rescuers said he had little safety and navigation equipment,he didn't know where he was,had inadequate sea charts - but did have an AA road atlas with him.

Mr Abbott,who built the yacht himself,said "I admit that I was lost but to be honest they could have sent out the inshore lifeboat.

"I suppose the lifeboat service in the UK and in Ireland may be a bit fed up with me,but really I never mean to get into trouble.

"When you are out there on your own,the Irish Sea can be quite a big place.

"I have a chart but it isn't that detailed and all the inlets and coves and the various landmarks can be a bit confusing for a novice like me."

A spokesman for the coastguards at Holyhead said "To be honest,we can't do anything to stop him.

"It's not like being a car driver who can be disqualified,but our advice is that he should take some serious lessons in seamanship,particularly navigation techniques.

"He should think about the cost because launching a fully-manned lifeboat is an expensive operation and,of course,he could be putting the lives of others at risk."