Yacht airlift successful

A critically-ill crew member on board a Global Challenge yacht has been successfully lifted off the vessel.

Englishman John Masters was lifted from the yacht 'Imagine It Done' by helicopter to the Chatham Islands just after seven this morning.

He will be transferred to Wellington hospital later today.

Mr Masters was injured when he was hit by equipment in rough seas as the yacht was taking pace in the leg of the race between Buenos Aires in Argentina and Wellington.

Medical experts decided his condition was too serious to wait for the yacht to complete the journey to Wellington, and so it was diverted to the Chathams.

Two other yachts taking part in the gruelling round-the-world race diverted to meet the Imagine It Done to pass over extra medical supplies.

- NEWSTALK ZB