Yacht crewman airlifted to KEMH

A crewman on a motor yacht suffering from kidney stones was airlifted more than 200 miles to Bermuda for medical treatment.

According to the Department of Marine and Ports the Motor Yacht Perle Bleue, registered in the Marshall Islands, contacted Bermuda Maritime Operations at around 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The yacht was said to be travelling from the Canary Islands to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when one of the crew became sick.

The crew of the Perle Bleue, which was around 280 miles southeast of the Island, was given medical advice by the US Coastguard Flight Surgeon, who advised that the crewman be airlifted to Bermuda as soon as possible.

The yacht was put on a course to Bermuda while a Coastguard Helicopter and two C-130 aircraft moved to its position.

The crewman arrived on the Island at 4.30 p.m. Monday and was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was yesterday said to be doing well.

The Perle Bleue is now en route to Nassau, Bahamas.

Motorist still in critical condition

Young motorcycle enthusiast Tony (De Tiger) Grant remained in a critical but stable condition in intensive care yesterday.

Mr. Grant, 22, suffered serious head injuries when he crashed his bike into a sidewalk and tree on Southside Road, St. David's, late on Tuesday October 19.

He's a member of the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club, and was on course to win the Formula class this year until his accident.

Team founder David Hill said yesterday: "He's still critical and right now it's wait and see. We're all praying and hoping. He's a strong kid and we're hoping he'll pull through."

Mr. Grant works as a security guard at the airport, and his family home is in St. David's, close to the scene of the accident.

Tourists injured in separate road crashes

Two American tourists were injured in separate incidents when their rental cycles crashed.

The first incident happened near the junction of North Shore Road and Blackwatch Pass, in Pembroke, on Monday at 1.30 p.m.

According to a Police spokesman, the rental cycle driven by a 61-year-old American woman collided with a bus.

The tourist was treated and released from King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Meanwhile another incident happened on Burnt House Hill, in Warwick, around 2.50 p.m.

Police and members of the public attended a reported single vehicle road traffic crash.

It appears the rental cycle was travelling along Burnt House Hill when the rider, a 60-year-old American woman, lost control.

Her injuries were non-life threatening and the rental cycle received minor front end damage.

Yesterday she was in stable condition on a general ward at the hospital.

Friends Club's first meeting to focus on loneliness

An open workshop on being alone or lonely will be held tonight at 7 p.m. in St. Paul's Christian Education Centre, on Middle Road, Paget.

Sponsored by the Friends Club, the talk features Dr. Stephen Hancock from the Association of Diagnostic and Psychological Services.

Dr. Hancock will present 'aloneness' for single people, and 'loneliness following the loss of a loved one'.

It is the Friends Club's first public meeting, and there is no charge for entry.

The Friends Club is for people of age 40 and above who find themselves single, divorced or widowed.

According to secretary Doreen Blee, the group is for "bringing people together who are alone or lonely, for good times".

Contact the group at friendsclub@logic.bm for further details.

Twenty-eight motorists injured in accidents last week

Police have renewed an appeal to motorists to slow down and drive responsibly on the Island's roads.

Drivers are also being reminded to use their seat belts at all times and ensure children travelling with them are properly restrained.

People travelling on motorcycles were advised to keep helmets fastened and avoid making a third lane, a Police spokesman said.

During the week of October 18 to October 25, there were 28 reported injuries resulting from collisions and 29 damage-only accidents.

Eight people were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving during that time and 27 vehicles were taken without their owners' consent.

Of the vehicles stolen seven were from Pembroke, six were from Warwick, four were from Paget and three from Devonshire.

Two vehicles were taken from St. George's, Smith's and Southampton, while one was taken from Hamilton Parish.

All vehicles, except one car taken, were auxiliary cycles and motorcycles.

And of the 27 vehicles reported stolen, six were subsequently recovered, including the car.

Catlin End-to-End looking for charities to support

Catlin End-to-End is looking for charities who want to receive funds from next year's event.

Registered charities wishing to be considered as beneficiaries of the annual fund-raising exercise should submit an application, providing detailed information about the organisation, the project to be funded, and its impact on the community.

Recipient charities must be non-political and non-sectarian, and must support local charities doing work in Bermuda.

The event will take place on May 7, 2011. Applications must be received by next week Friday.

Application forms can be downloaded from The Centre on Philanthropy website (www.centreonphilanthropy.org) or the End-to-End website (www.bermudaendtoend.bm), under the charity section.

Fairmont Hamilton Princess to celebrate 125 years

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess will celebrate its 125th anniversary next month with a cocktail party and a display of historical memorabilia.

The black-tie event will be held November 27.

General manager Jon Crellin said: "We're looking forward to a fun evening that will recognise the hotel's significance in Bermuda and benefit a very worthwhile organisation that is dedicated to preserving Bermuda's history through its land and buildings. We hope many people in the community will celebrate with us."

Tickets are $125 per person. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Bermuda National Trust. For more information telephone 298-5720.