Vendee Globe - Contact with Jean Le Cam in upturned hull

7:14 PM Tue 6 Jan 2009 GMT

'The scene of VM Mat?riaux's capsize - Jean Le Cam is trapped inside' Vendee Globe 2008 &copy

After a tense morning of waiting, there was huge relief for Vend?e Globe organizers and competitors this afternoon with the news that Vincent Riou (PRB) had arrived at the scene of VM Mat?riaux's capsize at 14:21 (GMT) and made contact with Jean Le Cam inside the upturned hull.

The pink IMOCA 60 is floating upside down around 200 miles west of Cape Horn (56? 17' S, 73? 46' W), with the bulb of her keel detached, in a slightly stern-down position - possibly due to the ballast tanks being full at the time of the capsize. Riou was able to spot a 'flag' poking out of one of the through-hull fittings of the yacht and shouted for Le Cam, who responded. Both EPIRBs have also been activated on the yacht.

Riou was joined on the scene around an hour later by fellow skipper Armel Le Cl?ac'h in Brit Air. The two are now standing by, as is an oil tanker, the Sonangol Kassanje, who was first on the scene. The tanker was unable to deploy a rescue boat due to a rough sea with 4-5m waves, but may be able to provide a lee.

A Chilean naval tug has now left Puerto Williams to assist the rescue effort, and is equipped with a RIB and divers onboard. They are expected to arrive at the scene around 05:00 (GMT) tomorrow.

Read more on earlier distress call here - www.sail-world.com/UK/Vendee---Jean-Le-Cams-distress-beacon-triggered-at-01:40-GMT/52550