The now seemingly ill-fated ‘Earthrace’ Biodiesel vessel has encountered tragedy to add to previous scares and disappointments. At midnight the 24 metre bio-diesel powered ‘Earthrace’, showing lights and travelling 15 knots hit a 5 metre Guatemalan fishing skiff which it did not see lights or radar signature of. The smaller boat disintegrated and sank immediately. Two fisherman was rescued but another is missing, presumed drowned. ‘Earthrace’ New Zealand Captain Pete Bethune said that one fisherman was in a serious condition when rescued but they managed to keep him alive until the Guatemalan Coast Guard arrived.

Local fishermen are furious and the crew have been held over on board ‘Earthrace’ at the Naval Compund in Puerto Quetzal, on the Pacific Coast of Guatamala. They are expected in court today. This must surely be the end of this bid to beat the Around The World Race Record of 65 days. Previous problems included propeller damage and being shot at by Colombians. Follow the story at www.earthrace.net