Two sailors bound for Bermuda were rescued by the US Coast Guard yesterday.

The sailors, aboard the tall ship Raw Faith, found themselves in turbulent seas off Nantucket. The 188ft ship left Salem, Massachusetts on Saturday, but encountered high winds and rough seas. Their boat suffered structural damage, though the extent of the damage was not released at press time last night.

The ship only had one survival suit, which keeps a sailor’s body temperature from plummeting if forced into the ocean, two rafts and a handheld radio. A Coast Guard helicopter crew attempted to drop them more safety gear but could not because of the high winds.

Earlier in the day a Coast Guard spokesman said: “The Coast Guard’s primary concern is the safety of the two people on board the Raw Faith. With water temperatures in the low 50s F (11C), and the lack of safety equipment on board during a winter transit to Bermuda, the crew is dangerously exposed if anything was to happen to the vessel.”