Sinking in US college boat race

The annual Yale v Harvard boat race produced chaotic scenes and the first sinking in the 151st edition of the rowing event.

Windy and rough conditions on Connecticut's Thames River on Sunday wreaked havoc on the oldest collegiate sporting event in the United States when the Harvard boat took on water and had to stop racing about three minutes into the four-mile race.

The Harvard rowers had to be rescued and, while Yale finished, the race was later reportedly declared a no-contest hours later.

The Harford Courant newspaper said it was possible the race could be re-contested, but Yale doubted that would happen.

The first race was in 1852. It's been held regularly since 1878, interrupted during the Civil War, World War I and World War II.