NEWS

A member of the Clipper Round the World died

Share on social media

On Saturday, September 5, regatta organizers reported the death of British paramedic Andrew Ashman. The 49-year-old man was a crew member of the boat IchorCoal (CV21). The other crew members were not injured.

The tragedy occurred after midnight local time while riffling the mainsail in 21-27 knots of wind. Ashman was knocked down - the circumstances of the incident are still being investigated, but it is believed he was also struck by the boom. The injured man was immediately given first aid. The crew contacted the regatta's medical team via satellite communication for additional advice. However, Andrew Ashman failed to regain consciousness despite the efforts of the crew. The victim was an experienced yachtsman - he was engaged in yachting since the age of 16.

The boat headed for Porto, Portugal, where the crew met with regatta organizers.

«Andy was amazing. A man of great character, he was always doing something on the boat. I don't think any of us will forget his booming voice, his smile and his desire to help everyone», said one of the crew, Louis Thomas.

It is now known that the team has decided to continue racing.

«Legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston organized the first Clipper Round the World almost 20 years ago, deciding to create a round-the-world». For a round sum, the regatta is often attended by people who are far from yachting. Nevertheless, to get on board the new recruits undergo a rigorous screening for psychological stability and compatibility with the crew and are trained in the field of yachting. This season has become a jubilee one for the regatta as the clipper sailed around the world for the 10th time. Not once in the history of the race has there been a loss of life. A total of 3,300 people have passed through the Knox-Johnston regatta over the years.

Share on social media