Shetland Bus kayakers turn back

THE three kayakers attempting to recreate the epic journeys of the Shetland Bus have been forced to turn back, around 25 miles east of Skerries.

Patrick Winterton, Olli Hicks and Mick Berwick had set off from Lunna on Sunday to make the 240 mile journey to Bergen.

They turned back on Tuesday morning and arrived at Symbister, in Whalsay, later in the afternoon.

Mr Winterton said conditions in the northern North Sea had been more challenging than expected.

“Yesterday the weather was better than predicted, last night and this morning the weather was a lot worse than predicted.

“Paddling into heavy seas you make very little progress, and you get absolutely no sleep whatsoever, which means it is impossible to go on a three or four paddle stretch with no sleep.

“Turning back was the sensible and safe decision rather than one of backing out,” he said.