British sailor Simon Speirs has died after being swept overboard during a round-the-world yacht race, organisers said. He was 60.
Speirs, from Bristol, was taking part in the Clipper Round the World Race, which had reached the leg between South Africa to Australia.
A retired solicitor, Speirs was sailing for Great Britain on board the CV30, which was in sixth place and had reached the Indian Ocean. Mr Speirs, who had more than 40 years' dinghy experience, was on the foredeck of the 70-foot yacht helping to change a sail when he was washed over the side of the boat during gale force winds.
He was clipped on with his safety tether at the time of the accident, but became separated from the yacht during high winds.
Mr Speirs' teammates and the medical team on board did their best to save him, getting him back on board in 36 minutes, but he never regained consciousness. All other crew are reported safe and are being supported remotely by the Clipper Race organisers.
"Simon was on the foredeck assisting with a headsail change from Yankee 3 when he was washed overboard," organisers said in a statement.
"The team's man overboard recovery training kicked into immediate effect and despite the rough conditions, Simon was recovered back on board by the skipper and crew within 36 minutes, at which point CPR was immediately administered by three medically trained crew, which included a GP.
"However, Simon sadly never regained consciousness and was pronounced deceased. The cause of death is unconfirmed at this time but thought to be by drowning."