Damaged boat forces rescue of Jason Black and Neil Glover on Atlantic crossing

Jason Black and rowing partner Neil Glover have been rescued from their rowing boat Destiny’s Tide after getting into difficulty during an attempted Atlantic crossing.

The pair set off from Lanzarote on January 3, hoping to reach Antigua in 55 days. The Atlantic Dash - which organisers say is a regatta, not a race, is considered one of the most challenging endurance events in the world. Crews row 5,000km unsupported in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Jason and Neil took on the challenge to raise funds for Race Against Dementia in support of programmes that are working towards a cure or treatment for dementia.

They had been in good spirits and were happy with the progress up until Saturday, when they were left with no choice but to call for a rescue. 

A spokesperson issued a statement saying: “Jason and Neil are safely aboard the merchant shipping vessel Lagoa, headed for Portugal.

“Perhaps this is the perfect parallel to the cause both men are so committed to raising funds for. 

“After 17 days on the Atlantic Ocean with all the highs and lows imaginable, Destiny's Tide was hit by an insurmountable problem and the Tenerife Coast Guard arranged for the 100m vessel to pick the men and their damaged Destiny's Tide up. 

“Mother Nature showed her might with almighty waves during a storm on the night of the 19th tearing the rudder off and damaging the hull and daggerboard on Destiny's Tide.

“What Neil and Jason have demonstrated is that they, and so many of you followers and supporters, care and care deeply. The need for a cure for Dementia is urgent. 

“The guys also know that whilst they have been aboard Destiny's Tide their gruelling, daily 12+ hours rowing pales into insignificance compared to life for the 55million people globally living with dementia. 

“Dementia sufferers and their families and carers cannot escape to the Lagoa cargo vessel.
“The team are so disappointed that after all the preparation, training and hardship Neil and Jason didn't get to finish their Dash this time - but what an amazing achievement for them both. 

“They have raised the conversation, given us all hope that a cure can be found because 1-in-3 people born today will die with dementia otherwise.

“Thank you all and especially to those involved getting our guys safely back onto terra firma.

“Please keep supporting.”

To date, Jason and Neil have reached just over STG£100,000 of their STG£500,000 target. The fundraising page remains open. 

According to the fundraising page: “The funds raised with this challenge will help to support the Destiny's Tide RAD Team. This Team will receive £750,000 over five years to help fasttrack a cure for dementia.”

Further information and a link to the dedicated website can be found on the fundraising page.

According to the fundraising page: “The funds raised with this challenge will help to support the Destiny's Tide RAD Team. This Team will receive £750,000 over five years to help fasttrack a cure for dementia.”
Further information and a link to the dedicated website can be found on the fundraising page.