Rowing 'stunt' fraught with danger

It was interesting for me to read the article in The Times of May 29, about Daniel Abela, who will be attempting to row from Sicily to Malta.

I admire, and will in fact support Mr Abela's noble intentions in raising funds for Puttinu Children's Cancer Support Group and Beyond The Moon, both without doubt very worthy causes.

However, if indeed as stated by Mr Abela himself, all he will be taking with him on the attempt are food and water for a few days together with a compass, then the stunt (not my choice of word), is in my humble opinion extremely reckless. This especially considering that no mention is made in the article of any escorting vessel/s, which I hope is just a minor editorial omission.

I have been crossing this same short stretch of sea for over 40 years in anything from a sailing dinghy to passenger ferry and most types of vessels in between, and know first-hand what this part of the Mediterranean can throw up at us.

Apart from a multitude of problems that may arise and he may have to deal with, how does Mr Abela intend to warn off approaching shipping? (and there is a lot around).

How is he to call for help, should this be needed ? Not to be forgotten is the fact that the Sicilian maritime authorities may not allow the charity crossing to commence if they consider it to be a danger to Mr Abela or a hazard to navigation.

Might I suggest, implore even, that Mr Abela reconsider the safety of his vessel and himself and that of any persons involved in any rescue (God forbid) that may become necessary.