STATEMENT: CHEEKI RAFIKI SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION

Keith Oliver, Head of Maritime Operations with HM Coastguard, said:

“Her Majesty’s Coastguard has been in regular contact with the US Coast Guard since this sad situation began to unfold in the early hours of Friday morning.

“The Cheeki Rafiki is believed to have run into difficulty approximately 1,000 miles east of Massachusetts, USA. The US Coast Guard is responsible for search and rescue in this area.

“Based on the information provided to us, we believe that the US Coast Guard has done all they can to locate the stricken yacht and her crew.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these four sailors at this extremely difficult time.”

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