A military veteran attempting to break a world record for the longest stay on an uninhabited island has been forced to abort the challenge.
Chris Cameron, 53, had been living on islet Rockall, in the Atlantic Ocean, in his bid to pip previous record-holder Nick Hancock’s record of 45 days back in 2014.
In May, Mr Cameron landed on the unhabitable island, which is roughly 220 miles west of the Outer Herbrides, Scotland.
The MailOnline reports the adventurer from Banffshire was hoping to raise £50,000 for the Royal Navy, Royal Marines Charity, and ABF the Soldiers’ Charity.
But after his equipment was destroyed by wind and waves, he was almost swept away at several points on a disasterous night for his mission.
This prompted a call out, and he ended up being rescued by the Martine and Coastguard Agency who sent out a fixed-wing aircraft to help him return home.
Twitter account, @Rockall2023, set up in support of the expedition wrote: “Cam has now been recovered from Rockall, and is safe and in good hands.”
They also tweeted it had been an “epic adventure” and that it was not over yet. The team has stated they are returning to collect all their kit in a few weeks’ time, which still remains on the islet.
He was joined by mountaineer Emil Bergmann and radio operator Adrian Styles, who helped him establish his base on the rock.
Mr Cameron called in a Mayday after weather conditions worsened, prompting the coastguard to start coordinating the rescue operation.
Earlier this month, the explorer told the Times, he had initially struggled with the “cold and misty” nights and the “stinking” guano, which forms a glossy sheen over the rock.
He added: “I tend to stay in the landpod if it’s like that as it’s too risky otherwise.”
Rockall stands about 21 metres above sea level and it was formally annexed by the UK in 1955 and incorporated as part of Scotland in 1972.
The ex-military man’s diet was completely made up of Ministry of Defence (MoD) ration packs, which he described as “fantastic” and “much better than they were served in the infantry.”
Harry Brayford, expedition communications and shoreside manager, confirmed he has spoken to Mr Cameron since his rescue, stating he is in “remarkably good spirits”.
Me Brayford said: “It was apparent Cam had suffered a really rough night and we needed to make a quick decision on whether to abort the expedition or push on.”
A statement from Mr Cameron’s family said: “We are hugely proud of all his achievements, but also that he had the courage to make what must have been a very difficult decision in the face of such dreadful weather.”
A documentary about Mr Cameron’s challenge, named Rockall, The Edge of Existence, is currently being produced.
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