Chris ‘Cam’ Cameron Calls for Help After 30 Days on Islet Due to Severe Weather

Chris “Cam” Cameron, a 53-year-old teacher and army veteran, was rescued by the coastguard on Wednesday after spending 30 days attempting to break the world record for living on Rockall, a small, isolated islet in the North Atlantic.

Cameron, who had hoped to surpass the existing record of 45 days set in 2014 by adventurer Nick Hancock, called for assistance after battling “declining weather conditions.” He had landed on the barren rock on May 30, aiming to remain for 60 days, but the deteriorating weather forced him to declare a mayday.

Located approximately 230 miles west of the Outer Hebrides, Rockall is a tiny granite outcrop measuring just 100ft by 70ft. The isolated nature of the islet, combined with fierce winds and crashing waves, led to significant damage to Cameron’s equipment, with some of his gear destroyed by the elements. At times, he came close to being swept into the sea.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency responded to his distress call at 8:55 am on Wednesday, dispatching a search and rescue helicopter from Stornoway, supported by a fixed-wing aircraft.

Cameron, who had been living on a small ledge named Hall’s Ledge, raised money for two military charities: ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity, and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. His only company on the rocky outcrop was seabirds and the occasional minke whale.

Supporters of Cameron confirmed the rescue via Twitter, stating that his challenge had ended due to the worsening weather conditions and sea state. They later reported that he was safe and being evacuated by HM Coastguard.