HALIFAX - An American yachtsman was rescued late Tuesday night by a Canadian helicopter, after his vessel capsized in heavy seas whipped up by tropical storm Cristobal.

The 66-year-old man from Fairhaven, Conn., is reported to be in good condition, apart from mild hypothermia and some cuts.

His sailing vessel was on its way to the Azores in Portugal, when it overturned about 252 kilometres southeast of Halifax while being hit by winds and heavy waves from the storm.

Cmdr. Mike Considine, a spokesman for the Canadian Forces, says the man was able to activate his emergency locator beacon and a Cormorant helicopter, a Hercules aircraft, two coast guard vessels and a frigate were sent to his aid.

A search and rescue technician was lowered into the water and brought the seafarer aboard the Cormorant at about 10:30 p.m. AT.

"He got caught up in the tropical storm Cristobal," said Considine during an interview Tuesday.

"When the Cormorant got to the scene his vessel was capsized and his mast was broken."

Considine said he could not provide the man's identity, but said the vessel is named Seanine.

The sailor was expected to be treated at the hospital in Middleton, N.S., after being flown back to the helicopter base.

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