A British woman who was knocked unconscious during a vicious storm in the Southern Ocean has been rescued after the Falmouth Coastguard received a long-distance distress signal and raised the alarm.

Susie Goodall, 29, was sailing solo in an around-the-world race when her yacht flipped over and was dismasted two days ago 2,000 miles from Cape Horn.

A cargo ship that was sailing from China to Argentinddiverted to reach her, and was with her by Friday lunchtime. The sailor reported that it was dark when the ship got to her but she could see the lights.

Hours later, she tweeted her delight that she had been rescued, writing: "ON THE SHIP!!!"

Rescuers have reached a British woman who was knocked unconscious during a vicious storm in the Southern Ocean after the Falmouth Coastguard received a long-distance distress signal and raised the alarm.