An intrepid Scot who was attempting to row across the Atlantic before being rescued has now completed the journey.
Duncan Hutchison was determined to tick off the 1000 plus miles he was from his destination of his home at Lochinver in Sutherland after his vital on board electrics failed seven months ago.
His abandoned boat Sleipnir turned up in Norway nearly six months later.
Mr Hutchison survived mountainous seas, brutal storms and even a shark attacking his home-made boat. He was picked up by the 590-ft long tanker Asphalt Splendor on September 22.
Lochinver rower receives boost from Rangers boss Steven Gerrard during trans Atlantic crossing
But ever determined Mr Hutchison has completed the remaining distance on a rowing machine – mainly on the oil rigs where he works.
He completed the final 10 miles on Sunday.
“Well that’s it done 16km tonight to finished my incomplete row so covered 4,800km (2,983 miles) from my ocean row (from) New York combined with gym Concept 2 rower and also 3,088km (1,919 miles) practice rowing before hand, which I was posting on charts building up to my real row,” he wrote on social media.
“Total – 7,888km (4,900 miles), thank you all so much for joining in and following, I will keep updates on what happening with my Sleipnir (He hopes to get home to get a refit.)”
The rescue in the Atlantic came on Mr Hutchison’s 100th day at sea in his boat Sleipnir and 863 miles from Land’s End.
His 23ft boat is lost at sea after the tanker’s tow rope broke.
But last month he received news that the boat had made it across the Atlantic without him.
Boat abandoned by Scot attempting to row across Atlantic turns up in Norway
It had washed ashore at Sømna near Brønnoysund in Norway – just as the offshore worker had predicted!
Mr Hutchison said: “I never had any qualms about the Sleipner’s survival at sea, even in the worst conditions.
“My only concern was that once it came ashore it might be smashed up against rocks. Thankfully the people who found it were able to take it ashore.”
Mr Hutchison got the idea for the row when he was building his wooden boat three-and-a-half years ago.
Mr Hutchison – who celebrated his 53rd birthday during his epic row – has so far raised over £33,000 for the charity Wateraid from his row.
Mr Hutchison even received messages of encouragement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Rangers boss and former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
Only 13 people have successfully rowed solo from West to East across the North Atlantic.
Mr Hutchison still hopes to be the 14th.
His expedition is raising money for the charity Wateraid – DONATE HERE.
