Yachtsman Steve Landles, 55, has grounded his 4oft yacht, Lamachan, on Elizabeth Reef near Lord Howe Island off the east coast of Australia while on passage from London to Sydney to visit his mother-in-law.

The boat is holed and there are fears she will break up. Landles was on passage with his daughter Kirsty, who was on a gap year, and her boyfriend Andy Pengelly.

He is claiming a chart he was using gave an incorrect position for the reef.