Three Americans sailors were forced to spend last night aboard their stricken craft after rough seas made their rescue impossible.

The trio had decided to abandon the sailboat after it lost both its engine and sail while 175 nautical miles north west of Bermuda yesterday at lunchtime.

Harbour Radio said the 45-foot sailboat had taken a hammering in 55 knot winds and 20 foot waves when crew sent out an SOS yesterday.

The US Coast Guard sent out a C130 plane to locate the craft and monitor the situation while a passing carship, was diverted to pick up the crew.

Lt. Angel Pol of the US Coast Guard said: ?The craft lost its main engine, main sail jib and rudder and had to be abandoned. It was completely disabled.?

He said the three crew members ? two men and a woman ? were in no immediate danger but rough seas and high winds meant the would stay alongside until this morning when it should be safer to make the transfer.

The stranded crew, who had been bound for Bermuda, will now be taken to Baltimore where the was heading before being diverted.