Translation of the article in the Quimper Telegraphe

British Ketch Damaged by Whales

On Wednesday at daybreak the ketch Pinball Wixard was damaged by a group of 5 whalea, 200 miles west of Penmarc’h. They had left Cork in Ireland with four people on board, and were making their way to Lisbon Portugal. Their attempt to reach the coast unaided proved impossible because of the damaged rudder and jammed propellor.

The boat then put out a call to CROSS Etel, who sent the deep sea tug Alcyon to the scene, as well as the trawler Saint Yann 2. The Saint Yann 2 eventually took the yacht in tow until Thursday morning as far as the rocks off Guilvenec.

The local lifeboat Patron Leon Avon took over the tow at 11.30, arriving at the port of Guilvenec at 1230 on Thursday. The lifeboat was needed a second time on Friday, when the ketch was found to be making water. It was again taken in tow, this time only as far as Loctudy, where there are specialist services for the repair of sailing boats.

Pictures from the trip and the damage to Pinball

Crew ready to leave Ireland	Richard & Mike relaxing after the whale incident	The emergency rudder arrangement	Towboat	PW in tow
Being towed at night	Le Guilvenic	PW being lifted out at Loctudy	Rudder and Prop damage	Rudder & Prop damage
Damage caused by an over enthusiastic Lifeboat crew	Bent rudder stock	Bent propeller blade	Bent Prop Shaft along side new Prop Shaft	The excellent fish market in Loctudy