overcome a leak at sea.

The couple, believed to be husband and wife, had set off for St. Thomas last weekend in the 35-foot sloop Eliza Three .

Harbour Radio were unable to reveal their names last night, but said that after two days at sea they contacted a US Navy warship passing by and reported that the yacht was taking on water.

A Harbour Radio spokesman said: "It became apparent that the boat was taking on water from a leak and not because water was splashing over the side from any bad weather.

"At the time they said that they were able to cope with the water and were coming back to Bermuda.'' However, on Saturday the New York Coastguard heard from the Polish bulk carrier Copalnia Walbrizych that the couple had left the Eliza Three for the safety of the carrier, 120 miles east of Bermuda.

The Polish ship travelling from New Orleans to Casablanca took a detour to drop the couple off in Bermuda.

The spokesman added: "They have abandoned the yacht to sink because it was taking on too much water.'' Another Polish bulk carrier Rolnik has carried on its journey to Ireland after reports that it would have to come into Bermuda because a crew member was ill.

Harbour Radio said that the crew decided they could care for the man until they reached their destination.