The biofuel powerboat Earthrace, which holds the world record for circumnavigating the globe, has sunk following a clash with a Japanese security vessel in Antarctic waters.

The 24-metre trimaran, renamed Ady Gil, had recently joined the fleet of green campaigners, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS), and was being used as a stealth boat to creep up on Japanese whalers.

According to Australian newspaper The Age, Ady Gil was cut in half following a clash with Japanese security vessel after it tried to intercept Japanese whaling activities.

The Age reports that all six members of crew were rescued from the boat.

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