A BASINGSTOKE adventurer’s epic 4,000-mile Indian Ocean challenge has been abandoned after he was forced to be rescued after encountering extreme weather conditions.

As previously reported by The Gazette, Basingstoke adventurer James Ketchell and epileptic cancer survivor Ashley Wilson, who is in remission from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, set off from Geraldton, Australia on July 2 for their record-breaking mission.

The pair hoped to break the world record and become the fastest pair to row across the Indian Ocean, in less than 86 days, ending their voyage in Mauritius.

But James, 32, and Ashley, 36, have had to abandon the mission after they were rescued by oil carrier – Dubai Charm – last Wednesday, 200 miles from their starting point after their boat rolled over several times.

Ashley, from Wickham, has now flown home after he hit his head and shoulders hard when they encountered the treacherous conditions. He suffered a suspected torn rotator cuff.

Posting on his blog last Friday, James said the pair tackled “extremely strong winds”, adding: “We were able to ride this out on a para anchor for some time but in the end the conditions caused the boat to roll over several times as we were hit on the beam by a monstrous wave.

“The first roll wasn’t too bad, but the second roll was particularly violent, causing Ash to be thrown across the cabin hitting his head and shoulder hard.

“Ash instantly felt faint and dizzy. It was at this point that the decision was made to prioritize safety, which was absolutely the right thing to do.”

After raising the alarm, the oil carrier made it to the pair within two hours of their call.

James, who is a scout ambassador, said that Ashley was winched to safety using a shackle and rope because of the conditions, and describing the dramatic rescue mission, added: “I then saw a chance to grab the rope ladder myself and jumped onto it. I don’t think I’ve ever held onto anything so tightly in my life.

“As I was climbing up I found myself thinking of all the years I’ve spent at the gym lifting weights and thought to myself, 'Please don’t fail me now arms and legs'. Thankfully they came good!

“We need to say a massive thank you to the crew of the Dubai Charm who executed an outstanding rescue in extremely difficult seas, and made us feel very welcome onboard.

“We also want to thank everyone for your messages of support and concern. Apart from Ash having a suspected torn rotator cuff, we are both now well.”