British paramedic dies taking part in round the world yacht race

A British amateur sailor died this morning after being hit by a sail while taking part in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.

Paramedic Andrew Ashman was reefing the main sail during 30mph winds when he was knocked unconscious by the mainsheet.

The 49-year-old, from Orpington, Kent, was given immediate medical assistance, including a doctor giving the crew advice via a satellite phone, but could not be resuscitated.

His boat, the IchorCoal, was around 120 nautical miles off the Portuguese coast heading south towards Brazil in the first leg of the race when the incident happened just after midnight local time.

It is the first time a sailor has died in the history of the race, which launched at St Katherine's Docks in London last Sunday.

Clipper Race Founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “This is extremely sad news and my heart goes out to his bereaved family and friends, and to his fellow crew who have come to know Andrew with great affection during his training and the early days of this race.

"Safety is always our utmost priority, as our record shows, and we shall investigate the incident immediately in full cooperation with the authorities.”

No other members of the crew were injured in the incident, during which Mr Ashman may have been hit by the boom.

Mr Ashman was described as an "experienced yachtsman" who began sailing when he was 16.

The boat is diverting to northern Portugal and is expected to arrive early on Sunday morning.

In addition to the current race to Brazil, Mr Ashman was also due to participate in the Southern Ocean and USA coast-to-coast legs of the race.

The Clipper Race was established almost 20 years ago and this is its tenth edition, with more than 700 crew taking part.