A RESCUE mission has been launched to save round-the-world sailor and former Isle of Wight sailing instructor, Susie Goodall, who was knocked unconscious after her boat flipped over and lost its mast in the notorious Southern Ocean.

Susie, who had been taking part in the Golden Globe Race, got caught in a storm 2,000 miles west of Cape Horn near the southern tip of South America.

Chilean authorities are racing to go to the aid of the 29-year-old, the youngest competitor and only woman competitor in the race which bars the use of some modern technology in order to recreate the conditions of the original event in 1968.

In a dramatic series of tweets leading up to and following the loss of her mast, Susie said:




 



 



 

A statement from Susie Goodall Racing said: "We are extremely saddened by the incident which took place on December 5 on board Susie Goodall’s boat DHL Starlight.

" The safety of Susie is of utmost importance. From the information we have available at this time we know that Susie was sailing in the Pacific Ocean, 2,000 miles west of Cape Horn in 60 knot winds when her wind vane broke.

"The exact height of the waves is unknown, but massive seas reported. She deployed her drogue to steady the boat, but that failed. She was in the cabin when the boat pitchpoled, sending her and the boat’s contents flying forward and knocking her unconscious for a period of time.

"She sustained a minor head injury and spent the following hours removing the rigging debris to prevent further boat damage. The hull of the boat is unbreached, and Susie is safe.

"The Chilean authorities are coordinating a rescue effort, and have requested assistance from a ship 480 miles South West of Susie’s position. Her captain expects to take 2 days to reach the area."

UPDATED:

Susie has tweeted that she is now on board a rescue ship.