A British crewman taking part in the Volvo Ocean Race has fallen overboard in the inhospitable Southern Ocean 1,400 nautical miles west of Cape Horn.
Officials said John Fisher was wearing survival equipment when he went overboard from the Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag yacht.
Race Control for the Volvo Ocean Race has been informed by Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag of a man overboard incident on Monday afternoon at approximately 13:42 UTC. More ➡️ https://t.co/JyoDOqZThl pic.twitter.com/UPblJakpa0
— Volvo Ocean Race (@volvooceanrace) March 26, 2018
Water temperature is 9C, and conditions are forecast to deteriorate.
Officials said that given the gale force conditions, it is not an option to divert any of the other six yachts, which are at least 200 miles east and downwind of Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag, to assist in the search.
We are deeply saddened to hear the news and our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and the crew. John’s next of kin have been notified of the situation and further updates will be shared as and when they become available. https://t.co/XMWYNzgs6x
— Sun Hung Kai Scallywag (@scallywaghk) March 26, 2018
A ship 400 nautical miles away has diverted to the scene.
