News

Jul 18 2009 By James Moncur

A ONE-LEGGED Scot aiming to become the first disabled man to row the Atlantic is battling storms and 40ft waves.

Ex-Commando John Mollison, who lost a leg in the Falklands conflict, has capsized three times in shark-infested waters since leaving Martha’s Vineyard, near Nantucket, 12 days ago.

His start point on the US east coast is where Jaws was filmed. Despite facing the worst the ocean can throw at him, the 49-year-old, from Perth, says he has no intention of quitting.

In his most recent message home, John said: “This is survival in the extreme. Oh, for the good life back in Perth. Even missing the gardening and the goldfish!”

The dad-of-two has found it hard to make progress in his 30ft boat Shepherd Purple Heart because of the conditions.

He has been forced repeatedly to drop a sea anchor while he prays for better weather.

John said: “It has been soul-destroying at times because making headway has proved impossible. It was all about holding my position.”

So far, he has covered around 400 miles of his 3500-mile solo voyage. Olly Hicks, the only other Briton to have completed the west-to-east route was at sea for 124 days.

John is used to challenges. Just 12 months ago he became the first competitor with an artificial limb to complete the Sandbaggers Gobi Desert Challenge trek.

While at sea, John is living on Army ration packs of 5000 calories a day and has a boatload of communication and navigation equipment to keep him on track.

He is hoping to raise thousands for the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association and wants to highlight a UK drive for an American Purple Heart style medal for those injured on active service.

(Thanks to Steve McNeice for sending this article)