British sailors Ross Hobson and Andi Newman have contacted the Transat Jacques Vabre race office announcing their withdrawal from the race this morning. They explained that their 50ft multihull Mollymawk hit a UFO and put a hole in the hull. There is 1ft diameter hole in the forward compartment and it is completely flooded. According to the race office there is no risk of the boat sinking, and both skippers are fine.

The French Coastguards have been contacted and a lifeboat is assisting them as they make their way into Abervac in the 35kt north-westerly wind and difficult swell. They should reach port in two to three hours.