Wellington (New Zealand), Nov 24 (DPA) A Swiss yachtsman making a solo attempt to sail around the world was rescued from his crippled boat Tuesday, 800 km west of New Zealand's Stewart Island, the Rescue Coordination Centre said.

A cruise liner was diverted to rescue the man from the 15.84-metre yacht Horizons, after a Royal New Zealand Air Force plane had located the stricken vessel, which was badly damaged Sunday in rough seas.

A spokeswoman for the Rescue Coordination Centre declined to disclose the man's name on grounds of protecting his privacy.

He was reported to be in good health aboard the liner Seven Seas Mariner, which is due Wednesday morning to reach New Zealand's Milford Sound.