HM Coastguard statement re Cheeki Rafiki in response to US Coast Guard statement

"Her Majesty's Coastguard in the UK has liaised with the US Coast Guard closely throughout the intensive search and rescue operation. We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication that the US Coast Guard have shown throughout, and the extraordinary efforts they have made in this tragic case. We understand and support the extremely difficult operational decisions that the US Coast Guard is taking and the rigor with which they do so. Our focus is on the search tomorrow and our thoughts are with the families of the missing men at this time.

“Separately we would urge owners of small craft not to venture into the area to conduct their own search operations taking into account the forecast decrease in weather conditions and the loss of two yachts in this region in the past fortnight."

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