Paris, France - Solo round-the-world yachtsman Jean Le Cam was dramatically rescued on Tuesday by compatriot and fellow racer Vincent Riou, Vendee Globe race organisers announced.

However, the daring rescue operation, which saw Riou divert from the race in a bid to save his fellow Frenchman, has left Riou with a damaged boat which could end his bid to close the gap to leader Michel Desjoyeaux.

Le Cam had been in third place in the gruelling round-the-world race when his boat VM Materiaux dramatically overturned in high winds west of Cape Horn off the tip of South America.

He then endured an anxious day trapped under his overturned boat before Riou, who beat Le Cam to victory in the 2004-2005 edition, diverted and was able to come to his rescue.

According to the race organisers Riou made four attempts to get alongside Le Cam so his rival could board his yacht PRB.

'Jean Le Cam succeeded in getting off his boat on his own,' said race director Denis Horeau.

'Vincent Riou made four attempts to rescue Jean Le Cam. On the fourth occasion he succeeded and Le Cam was able to board PRB.' Horeau said both skippers were safe and sound, though PRB had been slightly damaged in the daring rescue.

Riou said that he had a very relieved fellow competitor on board with him.

'Jean Le Cam is doing well,' said Riou.

'He is happy to be here, even if he has just spent perhaps not the happiest 24 hours of his life as a sailor.

'We are both happy to be here, especially as a few hours ago nothing was certain.'

Despite the Vendee Globe being a solo race in which no technical assistance is allowed, race rules dictate that two people can occupy a boat although only one can be involved in its actual running.

The time which Riou spent helping Le Cam will also be discounted, in accordance with the rules, meaning he can theoretically continue the race.

However the damage incurred to Riou's outrigger during the rescue - according to organisers it collided with Le Cam's upturned keel - has left him with a potential handicap, and having to repair the damage on his own.

It is expected that Riou will evaluate the extent of the damage before making any decision on whether or not to continue the race.

Le Cam's scrape with disaster began in the early hours of Tuesday morning when he reported 'big problems' on board his craft, before communications were abruptly cut off.

He was located by a Chilean maritime rescue airplane, and a Chilean ship hit the sea in a bid to reach the stricken 49-year-old Frenchman, who finished second in the race, behind Riou, four years ago.

Le Cam was given further hope when he was joined later in the day by Riou.

The Chilean authorities consequently recalled the boat sent to rescue Le Cam.

As the drama unfolded, Vendee Globe race leader Michel Desjoyeaux, aboard Foncia, continued his quest for victory.

Having rounded Cape Horn on Monday, by Tuesday night he had a lead of 100 nautical miles (approximately 180 km) on fellow Frenchman Roland Jourdain, aboard Veolia.

Only 13 boats are now left in the race as the turbulent Southern Ocean had taken a heavy toll on competitors necessitating notably a rescue of another French sailor, Yann Elies, by the Australian navy.

» Injured Vendee Globe yachtsman rescued