FOUR Royal Navy submariners have completed an epic rowing challenge across the Atlantic ocean in a bid to raise more than £100,000 for charity.

HMS Oardacious, consisting of Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs from Sheffield, Lieutenant Callum Fraser from Basingstoke, Petty officer Dylan Woods from Northern Ireland and leading engineer technician Matt Harvey from Kirkaldy, embarked upon the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge -known as the 'world's toughest row' - on December 12 having launched their specially adapted boat at HMNB Clyde, Faslane.

The team reached their final destination of Nelson's Harbour in Antigua just 36 days, six hours and 40 minutes after setting off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands.

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Their quest in the 28ft-long, £50,000 lightweight R45 Rannoch rowing boat aimed to raise funds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

After travelling through heavy storms and busy shipping lanes, Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs said: “The beginning of the race was touch and go, due to the demise of our autopilot which meant we had to steer manually and took us down to three men for 24 hours, but determination and great team work meant we still managed to remain in the front pack."

Completing 1.5million strokes by keeping to a strict schedule of rowing for two hours and sleeping for two hours, 24 hours a day, the submariners overcame seasickness, blisters and sores.

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At their lowest, they battled dehydration and extreme fatigue in 40-degree heat, burning 12,000 calories a day and losing around 20 per cent of their body weight.

Petty officer Dylan Woods added: “It was an incredible challenge for a worthwhile cause and it feels great to be back on land, reunited with loved ones.

"My gran was told to prepare bangers and mash for our return so that will be next on my list.”

To support the venture, text 'NAVY OAR' to 70500 to donate £5 to the RNRMC.

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