than 200 miles off the coast of Bermuda.

Harbour Radio told The Royal Gazette that the 47-foot, two-masted yacht had capsized 246 miles north-northwest of Bermuda in gale force winds and high seas.

The vessel, en route to the US Virgin Islands from New York, sent out a mayday call around 1.30 p.m. that the boat had capsized.

The three people and one dog on board were unharmed and as of last night were still on the boat which had righted itself. Weather conditions were expected to improve today.

The Harbour Radio spokesman said the tanker Sunda diverted to the scene and planned to stand by the stricken vessel overnight.

A US Coast Guard Cutter will arrive on the scene this afternoon to transport the passengers to land.