Philip Kerin was hauled from waves 350 miles out in the Atlantic after jumping from his vessel, Dunlin, his home for 20 years.

The sailor had to jump into the sea on Sunday night, grab a rope and be hauled up the side of the 45,000 tonne, 900ft rescue vessel, the MV Sydney Express.

He was picked up after an operation co-ordinated by Falmouth coastguards.

Mr Kerin, from Groombridge, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was heading for a winter berth in Falmouth from the Azores when the drama began.

'Life gained'

He was travelling from Antigua when he was hit by Hurricane Alex, then, after stopping in the Azores was caught by the "tail-end" of Hurricane Francis.

That damaged his rudder and steering, leaving him drifting for up to 40 hours before he decided to seek help.

Coastguards then received a satellite signal from his emergency beacon 345 miles south-west of the Isles of Scilly.

A Nimrod reconnaissance aircraft from RAF Kinloss, Scotland, was scrambled and the MV Sydney Express, which had responded to an emergency call sent out by the coastguards, was directed to the craft's position.

Mr Kerin said that being sad at having to leave his vessel to the mercy of the sea was "the understatement of the year", but spoke of his relief at being alive.

He said: "I have gained my life and good friends," adding his admiration for the crew of the MV Sydney Express.

Classic yacht

Sydney Express skipper Robert Hinze said the rescue took place in rough seas, with waves up to 16ft high.

Mr Kerin left the UK 11 years ago, and was returning to live and work after spending seven years in Antigua, in the Caribbean.

The Dunlin, a Gosport-built Falmouth quay punt, was converted to a gaff cutter by Mr Kerin, only its third owner.

It was well known in classic yacht circles and was a regular in events in Antigua.

Mr Kerin said the Dunlin, which was left to drift, might survive, but it was very unlikely.