BASINGSTOKE adventurer James Ketchell has said he will not rule out another attempt to cross the Indian Ocean, after his latest mission ended in disaster.

James set off on an incredible challenge to row the 4,000 miles across the Indian Ocean with epileptic cancer survivor Ashley Wilson.

The pair set off from Geraldton, Australia, on July 2, following a frustrating wait after a false start which delayed their launch because repairs had to be carried out to the boat.

But less than a week into their row, the trip had to be abandoned because of severe weather conditions which tipped their boat over several times, resulting in Ashley hitting his head and shoulders and suffering a suspected torn rotator cuff.

The pair were then involved in a dramatic rescue by an oil carrier (watch below), just 200 miles from their starting point.

Ashley, 36, was winched to safety using a shackle and rope, before 32-year-old James grabbed hold of the ladder and jumped onto it.

Posting on his blog, he said: "I don't think I've ever held onto anything so tightly in my life.

"As I was climbing up I found myself thinking of all the years I've spent at the gym lifting weights and thought to myself 'please don't fail me now arms and legs.' Thankfully they came good!"

The pair had hoped to break the world record and become the fastest pair to row across the Indian Ocean, in less than 86 days, ending their voyage in Mauritius.

James said: "The most popular question that I'm getting now is 'what's next?' I can tell you that I'm working on a very exciting project for next summer. That's all I can say for now but more details will follow in time.

"And I'm not ruling out another attempt at the Indian Ocean."

He added: "One thing that the last few weeks have taught me is that you never really know what's around the corner."

James, who has rowed the Atlantic, cycled around the world and climbed Mount Everest, hoped the Indian Ocean mission would prove that nothing is impossible.

He said: "I've learnt an awful lot since I first rowed across the Atlantic in 2010. I didn't actually set out to become a full time adventurer, it just happened. It's not been easy, but anything worth having is never easy, right? In my next blog I will share with you the biggest lesson I've learnt from this recent adventure. I will however leave you with a few things to think about for now.

"Everyone has the capability to succeed if a certain protocol is adhered to. That protocol is...never give up! Start working towards your dreams today, as tomorrow never comes! That I can assure you. Create your own destiny, you can be whoever you want to be."