'Lucky' capsized boat pair thank rescuers

Skippers Audrey Ogereau and Erwan Leroux were airlifted away from their capsized boat

The crew of a boat said they had a "lucky escape" after their vessel capsized in gusty winds.

Erwan Leroux, 51, and Audrey Ogereau, 33, were on board their trimaran Koesio during the incident near Perelle Bay, Guernsey, during the Transat Cafe L'Or transatlantic race from Le Havre.

A rescue operation involving Guernsey Coastguard, Civil Protection Volunteers and race organisers took place on Sunday, with the two crew members being airlifted to safety before the boat washed ashore on the island.

Ms Ogereau said the vessel remained in one piece and thanked the rescue teams who helped her and Mr Leroux.

Racing trimaran Koesio washed up on the shore at Perelle Bay

She said the boat had been sailing through 40-knot (46mph) winds when it capsized before it "just avoided the rocks and washed up on the beach".

She said: "We are really lucky the coastguard and civil protection were here to help us.

"They were really great and nice with big engines and diggers to help put the boat safe."

She added: "We will try to move forward and refit the boat to put it back in the water and sail again."