Search for four missing yachtsmen stepped up

The hunt now involves four ships and three planes.

13:29 21 May 2014

US Coast Guard has stepped up the hunt for the four missing yachtsmen who went missing after their yacht capsized in the Atlantic Ocean. The move came after Kay Coombes, the sister of one of the sailors, said that she believed the team is still alive. The hunt now involves four ships and three planes. An additional three vessels and an aircraft are en route to the search area. 

 

Speaking from Somerset, Ms Coombes told Sky News: "We are all sticking together at this point. We are amazed by the public support we have had.

 

"We are very thankful to the US Coast Guard that they have started searching again.

 

"We are being realistic about what's happening but we are still hopeful at this point.

 

"Knowing my brother like I do - he's very very strong, physically strong, mentally strong - there's every chance he's still alive.

 

"We also are realistic. All we can do is hope and pray, and keep everything crossed that we can that we have a positive outcome.

 

An RAF Hercules plane will also be involved in the search and will start combing the ocean on Thursday.