 |
The 35-year-old engineer planned to walk 106km (66 miles) on a homemade ‘tredalo’ to raise money for charity.
But 12 hours after he set out on a calm sea from Trearddur Bay, north Wales, both rudders broke off and the vessel foundered as he ran into winds.
He was picked up by his safety boat after completing only 25km of the voyage to Co Wicklow, Ireland.
Lifeguard watch officer Richard Jones said: ‘They experienced problems and tried to turn around but the vessel disintegrated.
‘The whole thing has sunk to the bottom of the sea. It won’t be a danger to navigation or shipping.
‘Everyone was recovered. They waited around until it sank and then returned to Holyhead marina.’
Mr Todd, of Bromham, Wiltshire, had been waiting for optimum conditions before attempting the 48-hour paddle and launched his craft beneath clear skies.
As he set off, he said: ‘It is going to be one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. It will be like running ten back-to-back marathons.
‘This crossing is on the very edge of what I believe is possible.
‘I’m looking forward to a cold Guinness on arrival – but if the sea is rough that could put an end to it.’
He expected to consume 30 litres of water and the equivalent of 60 Mars bars to keep his energy levels up during his effort.
Mr Todd spent nearly a year building the wheel in his garden with help from his wife
Joy and friends after the idea came to him while he was rowing across a lake.
He hoped to raise £20,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Wiltshire Blind Association.
|
