Fifteen rescued after boats capsize during race

Fifteen people have been rescued after several small sailing boats capsized while out racing off the Gwynedd coast.

A coastguard helicopter and rescue teams from Criccieth and Abersoch were called to the incident off Pwllheli at about 14:15 BST on Wednesday afternoon.

Initial reports indicated 15 people were unaccounted for but this was down to four by the time the rescue teams arrived.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said "all persons in the water were rescued and brought to shore safely".

The people involved were taking part in the RYA Youth National Championships.

One of the vessels has not been located, but is expected to wash up on the shoreline.

Pwllheli RNLI said it was involved in the rescue after the event's designated rescue boats "became overwhelmed by the number of young sailors requiring assistance".

"It's important to be aware of the weather forecast and be prepared for it to change very quickly at this time of the year," said Andy Vowell, from Pwllheli RNLI.

Gerallt Williams, spokesman for Plas Heli where the event took place, thanked those involved in the rescue effort which he said was conducted in "extremely challenging conditions".

He also said the incident took place one day after the event was visited by the Princess Royal.

Princess Anne was attending the event to celebrate 150 years of the Royal Yachting Association.

A Criccieth coastguard rescue team spokesperson said: "In the end, all were accounted for but were very cold and wet. One injury was sustained - and we do wish her a speedy recovery."