The mother of solo disabled rower Andrew Halsey today hit back at claims that her son is in a "do or die" bid to cross the Pacific Ocean.
The 45-year-old has battled with strong winds and choppy seas since setting off from Peru in November, in his 29ft boat and has been blown off course.
But his mother, Barbara, of Avondale Road, Clacton, said he would know when and if it was time to quit and would not risk his life.
"Andrew is now one of the most experienced ocean rowers in the world and has spent more time at sea than almost anyone," she said.
"He has been forced to go north because of the currents but is now going south again. He knows what he is doing out there and the hope is that he is getting the bad weather out of the way early while he is still strong."
Andrew has previously completed a successful crossing of the Atlantic in Brittany Rose, the boat named after his daughter, but had to abort an attempt on the Pacific in 2000 after 267 days at sea.
Published Thursday, January 30, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article