Tragedy averted as 21 crew rescued

A TRAGEDY on the scale of the 1979 Fastnet Race disaster was narrowly avoided last night after a yacht taking part in the famous race capsized 20km off Baltimore, Co Cork. (Click here to see a clip of the survivors talking about the rescue.)

Some 21 people were rescued from the 100ft US-registered Rambler 100 yacht, which was taking part in the race from Cowes to Fastnet and back to Plymouth, when it capsized in force five winds just after 6.20pm.

A satellite distress signal was emitted from the vessel after it overturned and the Irish Coast Guard launched a large air and sea rescue operation.