Second UK sailor dies on same boat during Clipper Round The World Yacht Race

A sailor has died after being swept into the ocean while competing in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race - the second Briton to die aboard the same boat during this edition of the race.

Sarah Young, 40, a company owner from London, was washed into the sea by a wave as she tended to the mainsail aboard the IchorCoal yacht and was swept away in strong winds.

Her death comes six months after that of Andrew Ashman, 49, from Kent who was killed on the same vessel after being knocked unconscious while sailing off the Portuguese coast.

Miss Young, who was not tethered to the yacht, died in the mid-north Pacific at around 1.44pm UK time on Friday, as the boat sailed from China to Seattle, in America.

She was recovered from the sea, after being washed overboard, by crewmates who tried to resuscitate her but never regained consciousness, a race spokeswoman said.

The cause of death is yet to be confirmed but is thought to be drowning or exposure. All other crew members are safe and well.

Race organisers said a full investigation will now be carried out, as is standard practice, in cooperation with the appropriate authorities.

Clipper Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "On behalf of everyone at Clipper Ventures, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Sarah. She was a very popular and integral member of the Clipper Race family and knew our boats well, having sailed with us since London last summer.

"The safety of our crew has always been and continues to be our main priority and we shall investigate the incident immediately in full cooperation with the authorities."

Ms Young, who was a keen adventurer, had wanted to take part in the race for a number of years and had celebrated her birthday days before setting sail from London at the end of last August.

Former paramedic Mr Ashman, who was awarded the Queen's Medal for his 20 years service for London Ambulance, was less than a week into the year-long race when he died.

The Clipper Race was established almost 20 years ago and this is its 10th edition. Ms Young and Mr Ashman are the only fatalities in the history of the race.

Ms Young was one of the sailors taking part in the entire round-the-world challenge and had already sailed more than half way round the world and covered 20,000 nautical miles before setting off from the latest leg of the race on March 21.

She had pulled out of part of the challenge trip after her mother died, organisers said.