The all-important position reports in the Volvo Ocean Race have taken second place to progress reports concerning the health of Amer Sports One crewmember Keith Kilpatrick, who is suffering from abdominal pain and a suspected blocked intestine.

Medical supplies of antibiotics and morphine on the boat, still 1,400 miles off the southern Australia coast, were beginning to run out forcing organisers to call on the Royal Australian Air Force and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre for help.

Helge Alten, Volvo Ocean Race Chief Executive said: "The well-being of Keith is paramount to us and we are doing everything possible to help him and ensure the best care for him."

In an action-packed second leg from Cape Town to Sydney, Team Tyco which features Solent crew Steve Hayles, Tim Powell and Gerry Mitchell, have retired due to a broken rudder.

There were plans for Southampton freight company Peters and May to ship a new rudder out to the boat to allow it to continue but doubts over the fitting of the new equipment persuaded syndicate management to pull the boat out of the water and ship it on a cargo boat to Sydney.

Team SEB remain in the lead.