Two Irishmen whose boat capsized while competing in an Atlantic rowing race have been found alive and well.
Ciaran Lewis and Gearoid Towey were taking part in a 40 day race across the Atlantic when they ran into trouble.
The men were found in their life raft by a Spanish flagged merchant tanker after the rowers had sent out distress signals when their boat, Digicel Atlantic Challenge, capsized.
US Coastguard at Norfolk, Virginia said the men are currently being taken from the raft onto the ship in what have been described as heavy seas.
The duo are now on board the ship, headed for Cartegena in Spain. They are expected to arrive there on January 14.
The Coastguard spokesman said they were being examined in the sick bay, but that other than being a bit tired, they are reported to be in good health.
President Mary McAleese has sent her best wishes to the two men. Her spokeswoman said the President was delighted to hear that the men were safe and well.
