distress off Bermuda yesterday.

The unnamed sailor, on the 30-foot yacht Alliance , activated his distress beacon around 10 a.m. A US Navy helicopter, a Canadian aircraft, a Liberian merchant ship and the pilot/rescue boat St. David all joined the search.

The yacht was finally found 17 miles northwest of the Island and was last night being towed into St. George's by the St. David . Rescue officials hope to discover whether the sailor actually was in immediate danger.

It is believed his electrical systems and engine were damaged in rough weather on the way to the Island.

An injured solo sailor was rescued by a merchant vessel early yesterday about 300 miles west-southwest of the Island.

Mr. Norman Bailey, on a voyage from North Carolina to the British Virgin Islands, activated his emergency beacon after hurting his back.

Nine hours later, at around 4 a.m. yesterday, he was picked up by the merchant ship Northern Venture , which was alerted by the US Coast Guard.