A World ARC yacht is being towed back to Panama after suffering rudder problems while on passage to the Galapagos.

The American flagged Shannon 43 Bristol Rose, sailed by Robert and Patricia Budd, became entangled at night in a large drifting rope. The immediate effect was loss of propulsion and jammed steering; on inspection it became apparent that one of the propeller blades was badly damaged, and the thick rope was jamming the rudder.

Heavy seas made further overboard work dangerous; with light airs, a heavy swell, and a jammed rudder, progress under sail was difficult, so skipper Robert Budd issued a Pan Pan call for assistance.

Under direction from the Coastguard in Panama, the tug Elgia Elena was despatched from Panama to rendezvous with Bristol Rose, 100 miles south west of Panama, and drifting at up to 2 knots.

Further assistance was provided by MRCC Falmouth and the US Coastguard, with fellow World ARC participant, Eowyn also involved with communications relays.

Too rough to attempt to secure a tow in the dark, the tug stood by during the remainder of the night, before connecting the tow in daylight hours. Bristol Rose is now safely under tow heading towards Bahia Piña, Darien, Panama, approximately 120 nautical miles away, where they are expected to arrive within the next 24 to 30 hours.