Group of novice sailors hit by tornado (dramatic video)

The moment a group of sailors were hit by a tornado while taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was captured on film.

Dramatic footage shows two novice sailors desperately grabbing onto the boat as they are swept overboard.

According to Sky News, the 70ft yacht was blown to one side as the tornado hit.

Winds of more than 115mph struck the yacht and knocked it flat for around one minute.

ITV News reports that crew member Paul Hardy, 43, from Brighton, said: "All of a sudden the wind picked up and the noise picked up...water started to rise and I knew there was something wrong... I tried to get out of the water and climb up onto the mast and then saw the water spout."

Jonathan Levy, of Clipper, said this year's race has seen some of the worst conditions possible.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, he said: "The race is probably one of the toughest endurance challenges on the sailing circuit."

Related articles

Missing British sailor found in North Sea

US coast guard resumes search for missing UK yachtsmen