An international rescue team is trying to reach a seriously injured Indian sailor who is taking part in the Golden Globe round-the-world race. Solo yachtsman Abhilash Tomy is stranded 3,200km off the coast of Western Australia.

His yacht Thuriya had its mast broken during a severe storm in the Indian Ocean. He managed to send a message saying he has a severe back injury and is immobilised, unable to eat or drink. The storm whipped up 70-knot winds and 14-metre waves, which twice knocked down the yacht of Dutchman Mark Slats.

The organizers of the race said, most of the 11 competitors still in the race were further north and avoided the worst of the storm.
A French fishing vessel is also in the area but could take several days to reach the scene. An Australian Air Force plane is due to overflying the area. and assess the Thuriya's seaworthiness.