Irish offshore sailor Tom Dolan's challenge for a second Solitaire du Figaro title ended dramatically overnight after he ran aground while leading the fleet off the Brittany coast.
Dolan, racing aboard Kingspan, was at the front of the fleet alongside Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire) when he struck the Chaussée de Sein at 00:16 local time, just a few cable lengths from Beg ar C'hale near the Île de Sein.
According to race organisers, the Irish skipper initially attempted to free the boat himself. However, with the tide falling, his efforts proved unsuccessful.
Assisted by the local SNSM lifeboat crew from Île de Sein, Dolan deployed both anchors in an attempt to stabilise the yacht and manoeuvre clear on the rising tide.
Despite five hours of effort, the boat could not be freed.
Airlifted To Safety: Tom Dolan is winched from the waters off the Île de Sein after abandoning Kingspan following his grounding on the Chaussée de Sein. The Irish skipper was rescued by a French Navy diver and helicopter crew after overnight efforts to free the yacht failed. Dolan was leading the Solitaire du Figaro fleet when the incident ended his bid for a second race victory. Photo: Solitaire du Figaro Paprec
As conditions deteriorated and the situation became increasingly hazardous, a French Navy helicopter evacuated Dolan at 05:40 local time.
Race organisers confirmed that the Irish sailor was safely transferred ashore.
The retirement brings a cruel end to an otherwise impressive campaign for the County Meath-born skipper, who had been in contention for overall honours and was leading the fleet during the final stage of the race.
Dolan's exit leaves the Solitaire du Figaro without one of its strongest performers and ends hopes of a second victory in the renowned solo offshore contest.
While the race continues for the remaining competitors, attention will now turn to the condition and recovery of the Kingspan yacht off the coast of Brittany.
