Japanese coast guard to rescue British adventurers

TOKYO (AP) -- The Japanese coast guard was on its way Friday to rescue two British adventurers who hit a storm while rowing on separate solo treks across the Pacific.

Sarah Outen's blog said she was hit by a storm during her attempted journey around the world, and that her boat rolled over and was damaged.

On Friday, she tweeted: "Hooray 4 Japanese always being early!"

She signaled for help 900 kilometers (560 miles) off Japan's northeastern coast, saying there was a hole in her boat and that water was seeping in, according to the coast guard.

Coast guard vessels also headed to rescue Charlie Martell from his boat Blossom, 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) off the northeastern coast of Japan, that had got caught up in the same storm, the coast guard said.

Outen embarked on her planned 2 1/2-year journey in April 2011. She is trying to circle the globe using only human power, cycling, rowing and kayaking more than 32,000 kilometers (20,000 miles).

Martell said on his website that he planned to row "solo and unsupported" across the Pacific. The coast guard's ship was expected to reach Martell's boat Saturday.

Outen's boat was closer than Martell's, but she likely won't be brought back to shore until Saturday, the coast guard said.