Close friend Nathan Lawrence said Andrew Hunt and his crew, who swam four miles to shore after their yacht capsized off the east coast of Australia, would be sailing again this week.

"They feel that they have to keep going and get back on the yacht," said Nathan, who lived with Andrew for two years in Australia.

"They are just trying to be normal again."

Two woman - Linda Yarr, 35, and Charlotte Lenus, 18 - died when their 38ft yacht Rising Farrster struck a reef and capsized.

On Monday, Mr Lawrence said the crew were now trying to come to terms with the loss of two friends.

"They are seeing more and more of their friends in Australia which makes it more apparent who is absent," he said.

"They are now realising that this is something that goes on for the rest of their lives, particularly Andy as skipper."

Andrew, who has been sailing almost since birth, will remain in Australia until a coroner's investigation is completed.

But his mother and father, of Trouthall Lane, Plumley, will decide this week whether to fly out to be with their 26-year-old son.

"He has been distressed on the phone and I am very concerned for him," said mum Sharon.

"The shock of the event now seems to have set in."

Mrs Hunt spoke of how 'unreal' the past weeks' events have been and how she was still coming to terms with the accident.

"I think we all feel a lot worse this week. It just doesn't feel real. I talk about it and I cannot believe it has happened."

The coroner is expected to take another week to conclude his investigation, after which Andrew, a former Holmes Chapel Comprehensive pupil, is expected to return to his Plumley home.