A Hampshire man’s bid to become the first solo rower to circumnavigate Antartica has ended after his boat was smashed on rocks.

Colin Yeates left the Falkland Islands on Monday for the 10-month challenge, but just 30 hours later found himself battling with currents at Cow Bay off East Falkland. His boat was dragged onto rocks and broke up, but fortunately he managed to swim ashore without injury.

The 47-year-old father of seven had been preparing for the 11,300-mile challenge for four years, and had had the 22ft boat specially designed and built by Dorset designer, Charlie Rossiter of Christchurch.

Before leaving, Mr Yeates said his expedition was fraught with danger, and described it as ‘the most difficult and hazardous circumnavigation of the globe.’