flipped by a freak wave on Monday night, Harbour Radio reported yesterday.

The 35-foot Radical was 900 miles northeast of Bermuda in moderate 15-knot northwest winds which were blowing four to six foot seas against its stern when the wave hit.

The vessel's origin and heading were unknown. The sailors were French and Dutch.

The New York Coast Guard reported to Harbour Radio on Monday night that the vessel had sent out a distress signal.

A US aircraft sent out to investigate found the British-registered cargo ship Chiquita Baiu recovering the two men from the flipped boat, which is now drifting.

The ship had been en route from Europe to the Caribbean and is now headed for Fernandina Beach in Florida to drop the two sailors off.