FRIENDS of an amateur sailor whose yacht slammed into rocks in Indonesian waters have told of their relief that he was unhurt in the drama.

Michael Lewis was one of 16 sailors onboard the Cork Clipper when it hit a submerged reef in the Java Sea, 200 miles north-east of Jakarta.

The Rolls-Royce engineer leapt into a life-raft and headed to nearby rocks, where he was then rescued by a fellow racing boat.

Mr Lewis, who is taking a year-long career break, is reported to be safe and well by organisers of the 35,000-mile Clipper Race he was competing in.

Larry Foister, who met Mr Lewis in 2001 when they worked together at Rolls-Royce, said he hoped the smash would not stop the sailor from continuing in the race.

The 32-year-old said: "Sailing has always been a passion for Mike and this round-the-world yacht race was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him.

"The last time I saw him was just before he left and he was very excited about the trip and the challenges that he would have to face.

"When I heard about the collision with the rocks I was just so shocked – it was such a relief to hear the crew were rescued.

"I just hope he will be able to carry on with the race, having got so far."

Mr Lewis, originally from Dublin, signed up to spend 10 months at sea to raise awareness of epilepsy, a condition he suffers from.

The 31-year-old set off with the Cork Clipper team from Humberside in September.

After Wednesday's smash, which happened during high winds and rough seas, the stranded sailors were picked up by Team Finland and California Clipper.

Mr Lewis was unavailable for comment yesterday but it is understood the team might continue the race on board other yachts.