The American 'tsunami'

As reports come in of 'thousands' dying in the US 'tsunami', as Hurricane Katrina has been dubbed, fears are growing that the victims include yachtsmen and their families.

The Gulf Yachting Association reports that many of its members 'have yet to be heard from' as several Gulf coast yacht clubs are reported to have been wiped out or severely damaged.

They include: New Orleans YC; Biloxi YC, Mississippi; Bay Waveland YC, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi ; Gulfport YC, Mississippi; Long Beach YC, Mississippi; Ocean Springs YC, Mississippi; South Shore YC New Orleans; and in Mobile, Alabama, Mobile YC; Buccaneer YC and Fairhope YC.