A leading seaman specialist helped save 14 sailors after their yacht was wrecked in treacherous weather conditions.

The HMS Dragon was diverted 500 miles away from a routine takes, as it sped to save the crew of the 60ft Clyde Challenger racing yacht as they drifted into the Atlantic ocean on Saturday February 11.

The yacht, carrying 14 sailors, had left the Azores area in Portugal and was headed for the UK, when the crew hit strong winds and heavy seas.

A rogue wave struck the vessel, snapping its mast and leaving those on board stranded.

The UK Coastguard received an emergency beacon alert at 8pm on Thursday February 9, where several vessels responded to a call for assistance.

However, the RAF C130 Hercules boat located the yacht on Friday morning February 10.

The HMS Dragon reached the yacht at 2.30pm on Saturday and all 14 sailors were rescued and brought on board safely.

Sally Hughes, 27, of Harrow, joined the Royal Navy in 2009, was the coxswain on the rescue and said it was her proudest moment since joining the crew.

She said: “The bravery and courage shown by the crew of the Clyde Challenger made our job a pleasure and helped us to achieve the tasking with ease.

"The sea conditions during the rescue were on the limit of the conditions in which our sea boat can operate – it was sea state five with four to five metres of swell and many rough waves.

"We launched the sea boat for the first recovery and approached from the port side. As we made our approach a rough wave forced the yacht to topple forwards and I had to move the sea boat and my crew out of danger.

"The more people we recovered, the better our technique became. The courage, determination and enthusiasm of my team helped us get the job done."

Fortunately, those on board the yacht only suffered minor injuries.

However, Clyde Challenger could not be safely recovered to the mainland due to the damage it had received.

The yacht’s skipper, Roy Graham, 66, said: "We got hit with a rogue wave coming in the opposite direction,” said the

"It hit us and knocked us over and dragged the crosstrees into the water, which dragged the mast into the water and snapped it at deck level.

“There were maybe a few doubts in my mind but when I knew HMS Dragon was coming for us, I knew it was going to be a positive outcome.

"We are really pleased the Navy took up the challenge to come and rescue us."