Rowers attempting to complete the first “true” traverse of the British Isles had a “terrifying” start to their adventure as their boat failed and they came close to colliding with a shipping tanker.

The four-man crew attempting the True South North Adventure to travel over land and sea from the southernmost point of British land to the northernmost extreme.

They started their trip on Thursday, rowing from the Minquiers to Jersey, walking to the north coast, and then getting back into the boat to cross the English Channel.

But after a late start, the team was delayed further when their bow line snagged on the mooring, and they had to cut themselves free.

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Rowers travelling from the Minquiers came face-to-face with a huge tanker – saying they were 10 ft away from death. The tanker tried to rescue them after their boat failed and drifted into a busy shipping route. After the tanker came up short, the rowers were eventually rescued by a Border Force RIB. They got into Weymouth at 1.30am on Sunday and will be returning after the end of their adventure to complete the missing part of their row. Professor Kevin Dutton, Billy Taylor, Patrick Neale and Gary Hutchings are attempting to be the first to complete the first “true South-North traverse” of the British Isles. They are attempting to travel from the Minquiers to the Shetland Islands by rowing and on a specially-made tandem rickshaw. Read more on bailiwickexpress.com

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If bad conditions, communication issues, and having to repair a rudder on-board the boat weren’t enough, the three autopilot systems failed and the crew drifted along the English coast.

Psychologist and adventurer Professor Kevin Dutton, who is leading the team, said: “We were drifting and contacted Solent Coast Guard for assistance due to there being large shipping in the area.

“A tanker responded and we finally saw it on the horizon – it was absolutely massive. They came closer and stopped about 200 meters away and slowly approached.

“Communication was tricky with the captain, but they inched closer and threw a line out that fell short.

“Our small ocean rowing boat was dwarfed by this massive vessel, and it was still getting closer and closer to the point where there was significant potential for collision.

“The ship felt incredibly close to us and appeared to be only feet away. It was a terrifying experience.”

The tanker moved on – leaving the crew to wait for a better rescue. They were picked up by a Border Force boat, which sent a RIB to help.

Mr Dutton said the rescuers were “absolute professionals” and turned “what was an imminent disaster and near-death experience, into a seamless rescue”.

They made it into Weymouth at 1.30am on Saturday and were due to continue their journey on a tandem rickshaw today.

They are fundraising for a number of charities, including Jersey-based Every Child Our Future.