THE uncle of missing yachtsman Steve Warren has expressed his and his family’s relief at news the US Coast Guard has resumed its search for Cheeki Rafiki’s crew.

Albert Davey, 76, of Longleaze in Royal Wootton Bassett, is currently in Bridgwater, Somerset, to be near to his sister-in-law, Margaret, Mr Warren’s mother.

The US Coast Guard confirmed it had begun searching again after an online petition gathered more than 200,000 signatures.

Cheeki Rafiki, the 40ft racing yacht, was sailing from a regatta in Antigua back to the UK when it got into difficulties. The initial search was called off on Sunday.

Mr Davey said: “I’m very pleased with the news. We are disappointed however, three days have elapsed. We are where we are.

“All we can do now is hope that the search will reveal they’re alive. It’s such a difficult period for us all.

“My wife’s grief has overcome her anger for the delay. She’s felt every minute since the coast guard called the search off.

“As each hour has passed all she has wanted is for them to continue.

“We truly believe the petition has helped in getting the authorities to change their mind in searching. People power has changed things.”

The four missing crew members are Paul Goslin, 56, from West Camel, Somerset; Andrew Bridge, 22, from Farnham, Surrey, the yacht's skipper; Steve Warren, 52, also from Somerset, and 23-year-old James Male, from Southampton.