Two rescued after racing yacht capsizes

Two sailors have been airlifted to safety after their racing trimaran capsized off the coast of Guernsey.

French Skippers Erwan Leroux, 51, and Audrey Ogereau, 33, were rescued uninjured from the Koesio by helicopter at 01:25 BST while sailing in a transatlantic race from Le Havre.

The vessel later drifted ashore on the southern end of Perelle Bay, near the Shingle Bank.

Guernsey Coastguard said it was working with the Joint Emergency Control Centre, States Works, and race organisers in France to remove the yacht from the shoreline. Members of the public have been asked to steer clear of the area, especially as the tide drops, to allow recovery crews to work safely.

Race organisers confirmed the Ocean Fifty class trimaran Koesio overturned while sailing in eighth position through 25 knot (29mph) northerly winds and 8ft (2.5m) waves.

Both sailors were airlifted to Cross Jobourg on Cotentin Point in France and are reported safe and in good health, they said.

The trimaran was taking part in the Transat Cafe L'Or, a transatlantic race that started on Saturday from Le Havre and will finish in Martinique in the Caribbean.

Nearly 200 sailors are taking part in the race, which has been held every two years since 1993.

Guernsey officials said the risk of pollution was low but they were continuing to monitor the situation.

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