#NEWS Smashed to smithereens: Two Britons feared dead after storm forces yacht on to rocks off Portuguese coast

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:03 AM on 6th February 2011

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Two Britons are missing and feared dead after their boat sank as they sailed in rough seas off the coast of Portugal.

The accident happened at 3.30am as the men tried to head towards a marina north of Porto on the north-west Portuguese coast.

Rescuers have launched an air rescue mission to try and find the missing men, aged 23 and 52. A 24-year-old crew member was able to swim to safety at Povoa de Varzim.

Wreck: The wreckage of 'Water Wave' at Povoa de Varzim harbour entrance, near Porto

Destroyed: The vessel was torn apart on the rocks in heavy seas in the accident in the early hours

Remains: Some of the wreckage remained stuck on the rocks near Povoa de Varzim harbour

The men had been sailing their yacht, Water Waves, from the north-western Spanish port of Vigo when they hit a storm and the vessel was hit by a large wave.

Port officer Julio Rocha said a helicopter had joined the search for the men.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'We are aware of a boating accident off the coast of Portugal involving three British Nationals, two of whom are missing.

'We have offered consular assistance.'

Smashed: Rescue workers inspect the wreckage of the British yacht

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