Sailing:The entire crew of the only Irish competitor in the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race has been evacuated after Cork, one of 10 68-foot ocean racing yachts competing, struck a rock off the coast of Indonesia in the Java Sea.
The Irish entry was sailing in 20-knot winds when she struck a rock off the small island of Gosong Mampango 8.18pm (Irish time) last night.
There were eight Irish, five Britons, two Australians and one Chinese national on board.
Skipper Richie Fearon said the boat was left lying on her side on the rock with hull damage and the toe rail under water after the crew evacuated to a nearby island. The then used their life rafts to transfer to fellow competitors Team Finland and California.
Robin Knox-Johnston, chairman of race organisers Clipper-Ventures said: “Clearly our priority has been the safety of the crew and we have received confirmation that all on-board have evacuated the boat and are now safe. Their welfare is our prime concern at this timeI
It remains too early to assess whether the incident spells the end of the Irish entry's challenge.