Hurricane Odile: British Couple Missing in Mexican Waters

A British couple has been reported missing at sea, after a hurricane hit the coast of Mexico.

Paul Whitehouse from London and Simone Wood from London are believed to have been on a yacht that capsized in the harbour of La Paz, Mexico, during the storm.

Both are believed to be in their 40s. Whitehouse was working as a scuba diving instructor in La Paz.

Mexican scuba divers and marines are searching for the couple.

Their 70ft long craft was one of 25 which capsized when the hurricane hit.

Hurricane Odile caused devastation when it swept across Mexico's Baja California peninsular on Sunday, destroying homes and hotels.

The stretch of coast is popular with tourists and holidaymakers. On Wednesday thousands were airlifted to safety from the Los Cabos resorts.

They were airlifted by military and commercial planes from Los Cabos international airport, which was closed to commercial flights due to storm damage.

After widespread looting in the wake of the hurricane, locals set up groups to patrol the streets and protect businesses and property.

Electricity and water supplies were affected by the hurricane, but power supplies have been restored to around one-fifth of people in Los Cabos' cities.

According to the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami, wind reached maximum speeds of 125mph (205km/h).

A British Embassy spokesman said that consular staff were working hard to help UK citizens affected by the hurricane.

"We are in touch with local authorities and are providing consular assistance to the families at this difficult time.

"We are urgently working with authorities on the ground in Mexico to ensure the safety of British nationals following Hurricane Odile, and have sent staff from our embassy to assist in this."