A British yachtsman was rescued last night in the mid-Atlantic after his yacht capsized in the single-handed Route du Rhum race.

Falmouth Coastguard picked up an EPIRB distress signal at 2040 and traced it to Northumberland sailor, Ross Hobson, who was racing from St Malo to Guadaloupe. The signal was then passed on to the US Coast Guard, who sent Singapore-registered Ro-Ro vessel MV Carmen to his aid.

MV Carmen discovered Mr Hobson sitting on the upturned hull of his trimaran Ideal Stelrad, and despite 50-knot winds and 4m seas, was able to safely get him aboard. Mr Hobson is now on passage with the ship to Santander in Spain, due to dock on 12 November.

James Instance, Watch Manager, Falmouth Coastguard said:

‘We are pleased that Mr Hobson has been rescued and that we were able to assist our colleagues in the US Coast Guard to effect the rescue for this sailor. Once again an incident of this nature highlights the importance of carrying a 406 Mhz EPIRB on your vessel.’

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