Coast guards awarded for yacht race rescue

Crew members from the US Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, the vessel which helped a sailor from Worcestershire off the Gerladton Western Australia during the the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race, have been presented official crew Clipper Race jackets as a token of thanks for their assistance.

Mark Burkes, 47, from Shrawley in Worcestershire, was one of four sailors injured when the wave hit the boat during storm conditions. He suffered a back injury in the incident.

The boat, the Geraldton Western Australia, was one of 10 UK-registered 68ft yachts competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race, which takes place once every two years.

Crew members from the US Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf receiving their jackets. Pictures: Clipper Ventures PLC