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Watch crew of capsized trimaran airlifted

Jonathan MorrisChannel Islands
Rescue of crew from capsized racing trimaran Koesio

Dramatic footage has emerged of the rescue operation after a French racing trimaran capsized off Guernsey.

The 50ft (15m) yacht Koesio flipped north west of the island early on Sunday while competing in a transatlantic race.

Its crew were airlifted to safety and the vessel drifted ashore at Perelle. After being refloated the trimaran was towed to St Peter Port Harbour, where a crane lifted and righted the vessel.

Acting harbour master James Way thanked everyone involved in the operation for their "exemplary" work.

Guernsey Ports The image shows a large racing trimaran being towed in calm waters near a harbour. The vessel has a striking red and blue colour scheme. Several people wearing high-visibility gear are on board, and a small support boat is alongside the trimaran. In the background, there is a stone fortification and harbour walls. The sky is overcast, and the water appears calm.Guernsey Ports
The trimaran makes its way back to France where it will be returned to La Rochelle

Mr Way said it had been a "complex operation carried out safely and efficiently thanks to the skill and cooperation of everyone involved".

"From the initial coastguard response through to the refloating and righting of the trimaran, the teamwork, professionalism and seamanship has been exemplary," he said.

"I'm pleased that a potentially serious incident at sea has been brought to a positive conclusion."

A spokesperson for the Koesio team said the trimaran had been towed to St Malo with the aim of returning it in due course to its home port of La Rochelle.

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