Some worrying breaking news from the Vendee Globe as second-placed French skipper Thomas Ruyant reports that he has slowed his boat to a near halt after discovering that the front bow compartment had been filling with water.
Shortly before 2100hrs UTC tonight Ruyant said he had engaged both his main pumps to drain this usually watertight compartment. The bulkhead doors are closed and so the main living space on the boat is not affected.
As soon as the water is fully evacuated Ruyant will make a complete examination of the boat to make a definitive diagnosis of the problem.
More news on this developing story as we get it.