Yacht race Briton injured by wave

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A British man suffered head injuries when he was swept across the cockpit of his yacht by a large wave during a round-the-world race.

Crewman Tony Peters, 47, of Hanworth, Berkshire, was on the clipper New York between Durban and Fremantle when the wave struck.

The Navy vessel Issac Dyoba was sent by the coastguard to escort the yacht to Durban, where he was taken to hospital.

Mr Peters plans to return home before rejoining the race at a later date.

The New York was competing on the second day of Race Four of the round-the-world event when the wave struck on Tuesday evening.

We are relieved that Tony is safely ashore and receiving excellent medical attention in Durban Anna Wardley, Clipper Ventures

When the Navy strike craft arrived on scene a decision was made not to attempt to get Mr Peters off the yacht because of the rough sea conditions.

Richard Bellengere, Durban duty coxswain of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), said: "The patient's condition remained stable and satisfactory throughout the voyage back to the port of Durban.

"On arrival in the harbour the patient was transferred on to NSRI Durban's rescue craft Eikos Rescuer II and brought to our NSRI base where a Netcare 911 ambulance transported the patient to hospital."

Clipper staff member Anna Wardley, said: "We are relieved that Tony is safely ashore and receiving excellent medical attention in Durban.

"Given the nature and length of the ocean crossing, coupled with the potentially serious nature of head injuries, the decision was made to evacuate Tony as soon as possible."

Race organiser Clipper Ventures and New York skipper Duggie Gillespie thanked all the organisations involved in the rescue.

The New York left Durban at 1845 GMT on Tuesday to continue the race.