Four Britons have gone missing after their yacht, Cheeki Rafiki, capsized in the mid-Atlantic Ocean.

The contact with the four sailors was lost in the early hours of 16 May, when they were diverting to the Azores on their way to UK from Antigua Sailing Week in the Caribbean.

The sailors were reportedly delivering the vessel after participating in the world’s largest regatta.

Following the news, the US Coast Guard immediately began search operations, but could not find anyone.

“The US Coast Guard immediately began search operations, but could not find anyone.”

British yacht training and charter firm Stormforce Coaching stated that the US and Canadian merchant vessels suspended the search after looking out for crew of the 40ft performance cruiser yacht through 16 and 17 of May.

Stormforce Coaching principal and director Doug Innes said: “We were informed on Sunday that a capsized yacht had been found in the search area by the merchant ship M/V MAERSK KURE. However, the sea state prevented them from closely examining it, which is very disappointing but understandable.”

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A Foreign Office spokeswoman was quoted by the Telegraph as saying: “We are aware of a missing yacht off the east coast of the US with four British nationals on-board.

“We are in contact with the US Coast Guard and have offered consular assistance to the families.”

Meanwhile, the families of the four sailors have urged the American authorities to resume the search operations.

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