Condor 10 bosun Gilles Paies, left, and Captain Peter Aldous. (0831835)

CONDOR 10 came to the rescue of a windsurfer in trouble off St Malo.

Rodolphe LeForestier, 20, had been stranded in the sea for three hours when he was picked up by the fast ferry on Monday night.

She responded to an emergency call from the French coastguard stating that there was a windsurfer in difficulties south of Ile de Cezembre.

Despite poor visibility, the ship’s company spotted Mr LeForestier on his board with the sail down in the water at 9.25pm.

A working party, under the control of chief officer Tim Johnson, and a first-aid party, directed by cabin manager Denise Downie, was assembled. Captain Peter Aldous manoeuvred as close as he could to Mr LeForestier and, using his hands, the latter paddled to the ship until he could reach the steps.

He was brought on board at 9.30pm and treated for possible hypothermia.

He had been trying to return to shore in daylight but the wind had died and he had been fighting the tide for more than three hours.

Condor 10 continued its journey and arrived in St Malo at 9.45pm where Mr LeForestier, from Dinard, was examined by paramedics.