Rower in world record attempt rescued after 28 hours at sea

AN ARMY veteran attempting to beat a world rowing record – to raise money for injured comrades – was dramatically rescued yesterday after 28 hours at sea.

Nick Townsend, 30, who nearly bled to death in a Taliban attack in 2007, was close to completing the Weymouth to Jersey challenge when strong winds blew him off course.

He and his brother, Jason Rice, 40, were picked up 20 miles north-west of Alderney at around 9.30am yesterday.

The two had been aiming to row 120 miles non-stop in aid of Help for Heroes.

They ran into difficulties in the Channel shipping lanes when engulfed in six-foot swells and force six easterly winds.