sailors.

The men on their 40ft ketch, Passion , were last heard of on Saturday, some 100 miles north of the Island.

One of the boat's sails had been wrecked, and the engine had cut off. The men had also lost their life raft.

They were expected to arrive here from the New England area at about 1.45 a.m.

on Monday.

Last night a Harbour Radio spokesman said the helicopter flew out late yesterday afternoon. Today two US Coastguard planes will continue the search.

Meanwhile, a Danish vessel, Amulet , with three Britons rescued from their yacht, will not come to Bermuda after all.

The men were picked up about 500 miles north northeast of Bermuda on Sunday.