WORLD
Round the world yacht crash: rescue operation delayed
Baku, April 2 (AZERTAC). An operation to help four sailors who were injured when a large wave crashed on to their yacht during a round the world race has been delayed. Three British crew members and one Australian were hurt on board the vessel which is currently 400 miles off the California coast in the Pacific Ocean. They suffered a range of injuries – including suspected broken ribs – when a wave hit the boat in storm conditions yesterday, sweeping away its steering wheel and mount and some of its communications equipment.
The boat, the Geraldton Western Australia, is one of 10 UK-registered 68ft yachts competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race, which takes place once every two years.
Race organisers Clipper Ventures said the injured crew include Jane Hitchens, a 50-year-old doctor from Kent, who has four suspected broken ribs, and Mark Burkes, 37, from Worcestershire, who has suffered a back injury. The others were named as Nik Brbora, a 28-year-old software engineer living in London, who has possible pelvic sprain, and 62-year-old Max Wilson, from Queensland, Australia, who has two suspected cracked or broken ribs. The rest of the 18-strong crew are said to be uninjured but shaken by the incident and those who are medically-trained have treated the four injured crew members.
Explaining the revised plan, US coast guard spokesman Levi Read said: "The coast guard rescue co-ordination centre diverted the coast guard cutter Bertholf, and that cutter is making its way towards the vessel. "The coast guard also launched a long-range helicopter to rendezvous with the Bertholf. Once it's in range the helicopter will be able to take off from the ship and fly to the vessel. "They will
The yacht is heading towards Oakland, San Francisco Bay, under secondary steering and is expected to reach land within two or three days.