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British sailor dies in Clipper Around The World Race

Paramedic Andrew Ashman is the first fatality in the history of the race.

The 49-year-old from Orpington, Kent was aboard of the IchorCoal boat when he was knocked unconscious by a sail as he was adjusting the mainsheet.

The accident happened on Friday night, 120 nautical miles off the coast of Portugal, en route to Brazil, in the first leg of the race, which started on Sunday 30 August.

In a statement, 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.”.

This is the first fatality since the Clipper Race was launched in 1996.

The 40,000 nautical mile race takes a year to complete and offers training and crewing places to members of the public, many without any sailing experience, although Andrew Ashman is believed to be an experienced yachtman.

Details

  • Great Britain, United Kingdom
  • Andrew Ashman