Crew linked arms in Atlantic swell after sudden capsize of Fastnet racing yacht

Twenty-one people on board were taken to shore in a dramatic rescue off the Irish coast after the US-registered boat Rambler 100 flipped over as it competed at the head of the Fastnet Race.

Mick Harvey, the entry’s project manager and a hardened sailor, said he would never forget Monday’s harrowing incident.

“It was a scary moment, one that I will never forget. I can’t begin to tell you how relieved I am that all of the crew are safe,” he said.

Skipper of the 100ft (30.5m) vessel George David and his partner Wendy Touton were two of the crew thrown into the sea.

“Five of the crew were swept away by the waves out of reach of the stricken yacht... The group linked arms, forming a circle,” Mr Harvey said.

The five, including a man in his 70s, were in the water for a number of hours before being picked up by a local dive boat, Wave Chieftain. The rest of the crew were picked up by lifeboat.

Ms Touton was airlifted to Kerry Hospital with hypothermia.

The keel is believed to have broken, unbalancing the boat and forcing it to suddenly capsize.

Mr Harvey revealed that some crew members had been asleep and those who were below deck were very lucky to get out in time.