Freak wave hits British yacht racer Michelle Porter off Africa

A British woman injured when her yacht was hit by a “monumental” wave off the coast of South Africa was being treated on Sunday night.

Michelle Porter, from London, was evacuated to a hospital in Port Elizabeth from one of 12 yachts which were taking part in the Clipper round-the-world race. Her yacht was “rolled” by hurricane-force gusts, but she escaped with torn ligaments and severe bruising.

The 11-month race began in London in September and the fleet has so far completed around a quarter of the 40,000-mile course.

Ms Porter said: “I feel a bit numb, a bit sick, and also pretty devastated that I’ve had to leave the yacht.”