My crew were the Russian 2nd mate Dima who had taken the initial mayday call, and the Turkish ships doctor, Bahadir. A nearby lighthouse had to serve as a reference point as the night was very dark with no moon. We launched the boat and after some tense and confused moments in the dark, found the vessel foundering on some rocks.

Luckily the crew of the stricken vessel had a flashlight and we instructed them to use it to help guide us in. I would guess the boat was not more than ten metres long. It was being quite seriously bashed by the waves onto some very large and jagged rocks. After a few minutes I was able to find a narrow path clear of rocks to the bow of the yacht, with Dima and Bahadir in the bow to warn me off any rocks that got too near.

Once we were alongsde the three crew jumped into my boat and we came away with no-one wet or injured. It was at this point that I realised these folk were in fact three beautiful portugese women who had been participating in a regatta. A rather pleasant surprise. One doesn't get to rescue lovely ladies in distress everyday. We then informed the Rainbow Warrior that all were safely on board and we were returning to the ship.

Once on board the Rainbow Warior and after some warm drinks they asked for Greenpeace t-shirts which we were all too happy to provide. Shortly afterward a French search and rescue ship came alongside our ship to retrieve these sailors and allow us to be on our way. As they left us I happily received my reward of three kisses and three grateful hugs.

Interestingly the crew of the search and rescue ship seemed to know of our plans, and wished us luck for Marseille - where we will arrive on Wednesday morning and anticipate a reaction from the tuna fishing fleets there. Come on Karma, do your thing!!!