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Lynn Harmer, 61, suffered head and suspected spinal injuries in the North Atlantic while taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, event organisers have said.

But the radiographer was eventually cleared to rejoin her crew mates by medics in Newfoundland.

Ms Harmer was aboard the Chinese entry Qingdao - one of ten identical British registered 68ft racing yachts.

She was injured as the remnants of tropical storm Chris battered the yachts in the final stretch of the year-long race as they headed across the Atlantic to Northern Ireland.

According to the organisers, coastguards advised Ms Harmer should be evacuated and the decision was taken to divert Qingdao to St John’s, in Newfoundland, where she was treated.

Qingdao Skipper Ian Conchie said: “Canadian paramedics were waiting and after assessing Lynn they took her away to the hospital.

“The good news came that Lynn had been checked out and the swelling that was causing the problem had eased and she was cleared to sail again.

“So with a full crew we happily set out for Derry-Londonderry. Many thanks to all the people who helped us.”

Ms Harmer said: “The Atlantic Ocean doesn’t seem to like me, as on the way from Madeira to Rio early in the race I hurt my back and had to get off, before rejoining the boat in Qingdao.”

The Clipper Race, which takes amateur sailors from all walks of life and trains them for the voyage, set off from Southampton at the end of July last year and is now in its final month.

The race was established by British sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

The boats are due to arrive in Northern Ireland before the end of this month before heading over the top of Scotland to the Netherlands and then to the final finish line in the Solent.