An army veteran who hoped to set a world record for the number of days living on a remote North Atlantic islet says he owes rescuers his life after issuing an emergency mayday call.
Christopher “Cam” Cameron VR FRGS planned to remain on Rockall for 60 days and managed to make it to the halfway point before his charity challenge was scuppered by treacherous weather.
Much of his equipment was destroyed by wind and waves throughout Tuesday and Wednesday, and he was almost swept away at several points overnight.
After issuing the distress call to HM Coastguard on Wednesday evening, the crew of nearby ship MV Nassauborg kept in visual contact from the water as waves continued to crash over the islet.
Mr Cameron told Sky News: “I was reassured at all times that I was in safe hands and that I would return to see my family despite being in pain, exhausted and hypothermic.
“I’ll need a moment or two to take stock, decompress, and get home to see my family.”
Pic: Rockall Expedition/MPV HIRTA
Stornoway Coastguard responded to the alert. Mr Cameron was winched to safety via helicopter and then flown back to the Scottish town – the largest in the Outer Hebrides.
Mr Cameron said: “I’m safe and well after a good night’s sleep, courtesy of the hospitality and kindness from the people of Stornoway.
“I owe this all to the courageous and speedy extraction from Rockall by the professionalism of HM Coastguard.”
Rockall is an uninhabitable granite islet around 230 miles west of North Uist.
Mr Cameron had hoped to beat the world record of a 45-day stay on Rockall, set by Nick Hancock in 2014.
Pic: Rockall Expedition
Mr Cameron, who is usually based in Wiltshire, took on the challenge for The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
He has raised more than £12,000 for the causes so far.
He said: “I did it for the charities and we have raised some much needed money for them.”
Mr Cameron thanked all those who have sent kind words.
Pic: Stornoway Coastguard
Paying tribute to his rescuers, he said: “I would not be here were it not for the courageous efforts of HM Coastguard – in particular, Stornoway Coastguard and the pilots and crew of Rescue 22, and SAR Stornoway.
“A big thank you also to the captain and crew of MV Nassauborg, who maintained a sector screen around Rockall whilst I waited for the [helicopter]. I owe them all my life.”
Read more:
Boy taken to hospital after falling around 15ft from rocks
Kyle RNLI rescue dog stranded on rock in the Scottish Highlands
Man rescued after 24 hours stuck on remote cliff in the Scottish Highlands
MV Nassauborg keeping watch. Pic: Cam Cameron
Rockall Expedition/Cam Cameron
Mr Cameron’s family said: “We are hugely proud of all his achievements, but also that he had the courage to make what must have been a very difficult decision in the face of such dreadful weather.
“We are looking forward to welcoming him home and hope that any future adventures will be a little less risky.”
They joked: “Why couldn’t he just have bought a sports car in the first place?”
Pic: Rockall Expedition
A documentary about Mr Cameron’s challenge, titled Rockall – The Edge of Existence, is currently being produced.
Aaron Wheeler, director of the documentary, said: “We’re glad Cam is safely back on dry land and look forward to watching through the footage that Cam recorded during his occupation to tell the story of his adventure.”
