Three Britons and one Australian were injured when a large wave crashed onto their vessel in the Pacific Ocean during a round-the-world yacht race.
They suffered a range of injuries, including suspected broken ribs, 400 miles off the California coast.
Race organisers named the British crew as Jane Hitchens, 50, from Kent, Mark Burkes, 37, from Worcestershire and Nik Brbora, 28, from London.
Paramedics are preparing to parachute in to provide medical assistance.
Ms Hitchens has four suspected broken ribs, Mr Burkes has suffered a back injury and Mr Brbora has possible pelvic sprain.
The other crew member was named as Max Wilson, 62, from Queensland, Australia, who has two suspected cracked or broken ribs.
They were taking part biennial Clipper Round The World Yacht Race in one of 10 UK registered 68-foot yachts, the Geraldton Western Australia.
The wave hit the boat in storm conditions on Saturday, sweeping away its steering wheel and mount and some of its communications equipment.
Race director Joff Bailey said: "We are naturally concerned at the recent incident on Geraldton Western Australia and are in close contact with the skipper, UK Maritime and Coastguard at Falmouth and the US coast guard.
"The safety of all Clipper Race crew is extremely important to us. Our skippers are highly experienced and several crew members on board have medical training."
The 40,000-mile (64,500km) race, which features predominantly amateur crews, started in Southampton in July.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-17576302
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