'We've rescued stricken turtle during Atlantic row'

A world record-holding rower is midway through a 3,000-mile (about 5,000km) trans Atlantic challenge - where she has faced challenges including rescuing a stricken turtle.

Emma Wolstenholme, of Burnley, Lancashire, is part of the Call to Earth crew rowing unassisted across the Atlantic to highlight climate action and marine conservation.

The 43-year-old, who attended St Hilda's RC Girls' School in Burnley and Nelson and Colne College, has already achieved a world record as part of an all-female crew rowing around Great Britain in 2023.

The ex-RAF squadron leader said she and her two fellow rowers, who set off on Wednesday, were hoping to complete the voyage within a total of nine or 10 days.

Speaking to the BBC while located 764 miles (1,230km) east of Antigua in the Caribbean, she said: "It's going really well. We cleaned the bottom of the boat yesterday morning and the speed has picked up so we are doing well."

Among the obstacles they have faced, she told how rescuing a turtle they had spotted caught up in fishing nets "was just amazing".

"We thought, right, we have got to go and get it," Wolstenholme said.

"We turned the boat around and got back to it. We were rowing into the waves and wind and it was difficult. It was a real team effort.

"But then we saw it swim away. It made it all worthwhile."

The team has also experienced mixed weather conditions, but no storms.

"It's hot right now. It's in the high 20s - around 27C. At other times, we have been sat in all wet weather gear," she said.

Setting off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, she said they were rowing for two hours each before having an hour off during the day, and sharing activities such as cooking, charting a course and other essential tasks.

The trio are raising money for two charities and have vowed not to end their adventures with this one.

Wolstenholme added: "We are already planning our next adventure. I am trying to convince them to do the Pacific.

"Thank you to everyone for the support you have given us."

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