Two British rowers are currently struggling for survival in the Indian Ocean after their 23ft rowing boat capsized 1,500 miles from the west coast of Australia.

The pair, Mike Noel-Smith and Rob Abernethy, were attempting a 5,000 mile record breaking journey across the Indian Ocean when disaster struck during a storm three days ago. According to a report in today’s Times, Noel-Smith was thrown from his seat and smashed against the side of the boat resulting in serious head injuries. The rudder and emergency anchor were also destroyed leaving them drifting helplessly 1,500 miles from shore.

In worsening storms yesterday the pair suffered their second major blow when the boat capsized in big seas. Fortunately the pair managed to hang on before the boat righted herself. Fears however, are growing for the Noel-Smith’s condition but it is hoped the Australian Maritime Rescue Centre, who have been tracking the boat using Transas’ website with information from the boat’s small Inmarsat D satellite communication system, will coordinate the rescue later today.