Erza Harel has died following a suspected heart attack on board his yacht Lalena V, participating in the Rubicon Antigua Challenge.

The families of Mr Harel and his crew on board Lalena V have been informed and the World Cruising Club are in close contact with them, and with the yacht Skipper, Yannis Kontaxopoulos.

Mr Harel, 53, a businessman from New York, was taken ill last night at approximately 2000hrs on Monday 24 November. With assistance from World Cruising Club, the skipper made contact with MRCC Las Palmas and the radio medical advice service. The yacht immediately turned around and made best speed towards Gran Canaria. At first light this morning, Tuesday 25 November 2003, and once the yacht was within range, a Search and Rescue helicopter was launched from Las Palmas, and Mr Harel was evacuated. Regrettably he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital in Las Palmas.

Members of Mr Harel’s family are now on route to Las Palmas to arrange repatriation of his body to his native Israel.