Footage has been released of a rescue operation that came after three men were stranded on a yacht off Bermuda for 36 hours.

The trio were aboard the vessel Zion last week when they sent out a distress call while about 50 miles east-northeast of Bermuda.

The yacht’s crew withstood frigid weather, erratic waves and powerful winds until they were picked up by the crew of Genco Burgogne, a bulk carrier sailing from Gargoub in Egypt. The Genco Bourgogne arrived on the scene at about 2.30pm on February 3

The Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre received the distress call from the French vessel in the early hours of February 2.

The BMOC alerted US Coast Guard’s Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Norfolk, Virginia, and warned of a possible need for a search aircraft because of the rough weather.

Synergy Marine Group, which manages the carrier, released footage of the crew attempting to reel in Zion, even as waves threatened to capsize the boat.

A spokesman for Synergy said: “Under the leadership of Captain Pankaj Kochhar and the Chief Engineer Sambhaji Kambli, the crew maintained control of the vessel and the situation in challenging conditions.

“Following recovery, the survivors were provided with food, dry clothing, first aid and care, and were subsequently safely disembarked in co-ordination with the relevant authorities, in line with standard maritime practice.”

He added: “The vessel’s name, Bourgogne, drawn from an historic French region, reflects traditions of discipline and craftsmanship.

“These qualities were evident in the seamanship and professional conduct of the shipboard team during the operation.

“The rescue stands as a reminder of the first law of the sea, long understood by seafarers worldwide — that those who are able must render assistance to others in distress.”

The Genco Bourgogne, registered in the Marshall Islands, was also alerted to the call while about 160 miles southeast of Bermuda.

As the nearest vessel, her course was diverted towards the yacht, but it took about 24 hours to arrive as the ship travelled at only about six knots (7mph).

A US Coast Guard HC-144 CASA search and rescue and patrol aircraft arrived on the scene from Air Station Cape Cod, Massachusetts, at about 1.15pm that day and found the three sailors in good condition.

Coastguardsmen were unsuccessful in dropping two VHF radios by parachute on to the yacht. Eventually the aircraft left at 3.05pm to refuel in Bermuda.