Ross Hobson was rescued mid-Ocean following the activation of his two McMurdo EPIRB distress beacons after his Class 3 trimaran Ideal Stelrad capsized in 50 knots of wind, during the Route du Rhum ocean race.

Ross managed to run to the edge of the yacht as it flipped over and then crawled inside the upturned yacht through an emergency hatch. He activated the McMurdo Smartfind EPIRB which sent its signal via the satellite system to the Falmouth Coastguard. He also tried to use his satellite phone but it got soaked by a wave and became inoperable. Ross then activated the other McMurdo EPIRB, to make it obvious that the first was not an accidental activation.

The Carmen a Wallanius freighter arrived at 2am and Ross had to sadly bid his yacht goodbye.

The McMurdo EPIRB signals were picked up within seconds of each other on both sides of the Atlantic by the Falmouth (UK) and Norfolk (USA) Coastguards, who implemented the rescue procedure which diverted the Carmen to Ross’s location.

Gerry Anderson, of the Falmouth Coastguard, told the Newcastle Journal: "The satellite system worked superbly. We are delighted he is safe and well."