AN exhausted father has spoken of his relief after his family survived an Easter sailing break that almost turned to tragedy.

John Owen, 43, his wife Jacqui, 39, and their children had to endure a 24-hour battle with the elements when their 38ft yacht, Impulse, was caught in a storm in the Aegean Sea, off Greece.

The family, who moved to Athens from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, last year, when Mr Owen began work for a marine insurance company, had been enjoying a relaxing island-hopping trip over Easter when the weather deteriorated.

Mr Owen, a former member of Tynemouth Sailing Club, first realised there were problems when he was forced to leave the port of Syros on Saturday evening as gales began to batter the exposed marina.

The yacht took refuge behind the nearby island of Andros as the winds escalated to Force 8, gusting to Force 9 - between 40 and 45 knots.

Fifteen hours later, when the family tried to make their way back to the home port of Lavrian marina, they were hit by the three huge waves.

"My wife and the children were all suffering from sea sickness, tiredness and potential dehydration," Mr Owen said.

He paid tribute to the bravery of his eldest son, Christopher, 14, who helped steer the vessel as well as keep Mr Owen awake during the journey back to shore.

When the weather showed no signs of abating after 24 hours, Mr Owen called the Greek coastguard to take the yacht to safety, with Jacqui and children Christopher, Deborah, 13, and stepchildren Laura Kennedy 14, and Luke Kennedy, 12.