The teenagers are on board the Fryderyk Chopin to learn how to sail A tall ship with more than 35 teenagers on board is in difficulty in the Atlantic Ocean after losing a mast in gale force winds and heavy seas.
The Polish-registered sail training vessel Fryderyk Chopin lost its foremast about 100 miles (160km) south west of the Isles of Scilly.
There are concerns a second mast could also be lost, Falmouth Coastguard said.
There have been no injuries reported among the 47 crew, which includes 36 sailing trainees, all aged 14.
Coastguards said the master of the vessel requested assistance at about 0800 BST after the 180ft (55m) long vessel lost the 120ft (37m) mast in southerly force nine gales.
A container ship, a bulk carrier and a large fishing vessel have all responded to an appeal for assistance from coastguards and are en route to the stricken square rigger.
A Royal Navy rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose is on standby on the Isles of Scilly to fly out to the vessel.
It is hoped the vessel can be towed to sheltered waters.
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