A FORMER Army officer has been badly concussed during a record-breaking attempt to row across the Indian Ocean - and is three days away from rescue.

Mike Noel-Smith, aged 45, from Much Dewchurch, in Herefordshire, smashed his head on the side of the boat during a violent storm.

His rowing partner, Rob Abernethy, said the 45-year-old's condition was deteriorating.

But their remote position, 1,500 miles off the west coast of Australia, means it could be three or four days before he is rescued.

Chris Cherrington, director of the expedition, said they had been advised by Australia's flying doctor service.

"He is suffering one of the severest forms of concussion, which can be very serious," he said.

"We have to treat it as the worst case scenario."

Mr Noel-Smith and 31-year-old Mr Abernethy, from south London, set off on their 4,400-mile journey, from Carnarvon, Western Australia, to Reunion Island, east of Madagascar, last month.

The former officers had been hoping to beat the current unofficial record for the trip of 64 days, which was set in 1971.

They were also aiming to set a Guinness World Record of 60 days and raise £250,000 for children's charity Sparks - Sport Aiding Medical Research for Kids.