Emotional reunion for Derry Clipper man who fell overboard

A man who fell overboard from the Derry yacht during the Clipper Round the World race today had an emotional reunion with his family in Derry.

Andrew Taylor, 46, from London, went over the side of the yacht in March as the vessel crossed the Pacific.

Mr Taylor was swept away from the yacht by high winds.

He ended up spending around 90 minutes in the water before being rescued by other members of the crew.

Andrew had not seen his parents since leaving home last September to set off on the trip around the world.

However, he finally managed to be reunited with them when the Derry Clipper yacht arrived in the city this morning.

Andrew said it had been a moment he had been looking forward to.

"It certainly has been very emotional day," he said.

"To receive such a great welcome in Derry is amazing, but to have mum and dad here as well makes it all the more special."

Among those who welcomed the Derry crew home this morning was the city's Mayor Brenda Stevenson.

She said the local boat, which won the New York to Derry leg of the Clipper race, deserved the welcome it received.

"They are heroes to us all," she said.

"It is a great achievement for them to have won this leg of the race and it makes it even better for us to welcome them to Derry as winners."

The remainder of the yachts taking part in the Clipper race will arrive in Derry throughout the day.

To mark their arrival, a Clipper Homecoming festival is taking place in the city for the rest of the week.

The yachts will leave Derry on Sunday as they set off on the final leg of the race to London.