Second Briton dies in Clipper Round The World Yacht Race

A 40-year-old woman has become the second British crew member to die in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, organizers announced on Friday.

Sarah Young, 40, a company owner from London, was on board the IchorCoal boat in the Pacific Ocean when she was swept overboard by wind.

Her death follows that of London paramedic Andrew Ashman, who was knocked unconscious in September on board the same boat.

It was announced in a statement on the organizers' website: "Skipper Darren Ladd reports that Sarah was tidying the cockpit after reefing the mainsail in 35-40 knots of wind, when she was knocked from her position by a wave.

"She fell back toward the guard wire and was swept under it by another wave at 1127 UTC (2227 local). She was not tethered onto the yacht at this time and was swept away in strong winds."

"The boat immediately applied its man overboard drill but was hampered by the conditions and lack of direct visual. Her body was recovered on board using her AIS signal at 1244 UTC (2344 local), and although resuscitation was attempted and telephone assistance provided by the Praxes Medical Group Doctors, the Clipper Race' s remote telemedicine support service, she never regained consciousness.

"The cause of death is yet to be confirmed but is suspected as drowning or exposure."

The incident occurred during the ninth race of the 14-stage event which started in August and covers more than 40,000 nautical miles.

About 40% of participants have never sailed before entering what is the world's longest ocean race, but Young and Ashman are the only fatalities in the race's 20-year history.

More than 700 crew are participating in the 2015-16 edition, which left London at the end of August last year and will return there on 30 July. Endit