Holding what appeared to be a fairly comfortable 16-mile lead in the fight for second place just a couple of hours from the Leg 4 finish, Vestas 11th Hour Racing was involved in a collision with some other vessel. While that was being sorted out in the dark, the boat was passed by its pursuer, Dongfeng Racing, the boat with which it was tied in overall points.

Skipper Charlie Enright of Bristol was not aboard for this race due to a family medical emergency back home.

Volvo Ocean Race officials issued this report Friday afternoon our time:

Vestas 11th Hour Racing has informed Race Control of a collision with another vessel approximately 30 miles from the finish line of Leg 4 in Hong Kong.

Race Control at Volvo Ocean Race headquarters was informed by the team at approximately 17:39 UTC.

All of the crew on Vestas 11th Hour Racing are reported to be safe. There is limited damage to the boat, but the team is still assessing this.

There is no information at this time on the condition of the other vessel.

Race Control has contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to inform them of the incident. Race Control has also informed the rest of the fleet of the incident.

We will have more information as it becomes available.