Scottish rower Niall Iain Macdonald forced to abandon 3,400 mile Atlantic voyage
The charity rower was just 50 miles into a three-month journey from the US east coast to Scotland when he encountered difficulties
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Scottish rower who planned to row across the Atlantic from New York to Scotland has been forced to abandon his attempt after suffering an injury in stormy conditions.
A US coastguard vessel plucked Niall Iain Macdonald, 49, from the water some 50 miles off the coast and took him back to New York after he got into difficulties.
The Stornoway rower is thought to have injured his back in a fall from the 24ft rowing boat.
He made an urgent call to a control centre at Falmouth in Cornwall via satellite phone four days after he reported testing conditions in his online diary of the voyage.
Mr Macdonald, who is a Gaelic TV and radio presenter, expected the 3,400 mile crossing from the east coast of America to the Isle of Lewis would take him at least three months to complete.
The journey, called NY2SY, was to raise money for the Scottish Association of Mental Health.
In 2008, the broadcaster rowed from Lewis, across the Minch, to Ullapool on the Scottish mainland.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments