Hero crew of Knotty are treated to a bridge visit onboard Condor Liberation    

In recognition of their heroic efforts rescuing a couple from a burning yacht in Poole Bay last month, the crew of motor cruiser Knotty have enjoyed a guided tour of the bridge of Condor Liberation and a day trip to Guernsey, courtesy of Condor Ferries.

Brothers Gary and Glenn Garratty and Gary’s son Sam, aged 10, were invited onboard by Condor Ferries’ Captains Steve Ainscow and Giles Wade as a thank you for their response to the ‘May Day’ call on 16 July from a 30ft sloop on fire just off Old Harry Rocks.  Captain 

Ainscow, Master of Condor Liberation - who also responded to the distress call by stopping nearby and deploying one of the ferry’s lifeboats - praised the brothers at the time of the incident for their ‘quick thinking’ and the resulting safe rescue of the couple from the fire.

Earlier today, Gary, Glenn and Sam joined Captain Giles Wade on the bridge of Condor Liberation for a special behind-the-scenes tour of Condor’s flagship trimaran fast ferry, for part of the journey from Poole to Guernsey.

Gary commented: “Glenn, Sam and I were all very excited to be able to get onto the bridge of Condor Liberation and to meet the Captain, the Condor crew were very generous with their time.  To see all the technology onboard was fantastic, and afterwards we had a guided tour of the ship, including the different lounges and viewing areas - we are now really looking forward to our day in Guernsey.”

Captain Giles Wade, added: “We wanted to personally thank Gary, Glenn and Sam and recognise their efforts and the instrumental part that they played in rescuing the couple from the burning yacht last month.  Although the crew of Condor Liberation responded to the same May Day call and we deployed our lifeboat, we recognised that Knotty was closer to the scene and their quick thinking really saved the day.

“We were delighted to welcome the Garratty family onboard this morning and to show them around the bridge of Condor Liberation.  We hope that they enjoy today’s crossings and have a great time in Guernsey.”

Issued on behalf of Condor Ferries by McKenna Townsend

For further information please contact Rachel Hadfield or Mel Bradley on 01425 472330 or email condor@mckennatownsend.com