Volvo Ocean Race team searching for Briton overboard
Tuesday 27 March 2018 14:27, UK
Volvo Ocean Race officials say a British man on Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag has fallen overboard in the Southern Ocean some 1,400 nautical miles west of Cape Horn.
Officials say John Fisher was wearing survival equipment when he went overboard on Monday.
The team is searching for Fisher in a strong 35-knot westerly, with accompanying sea state.
Water temperature is nine degrees Celsius but conditions are forecast to deteriorate.
Officials say 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.
A ship some 400 nautical miles away has diverted to the scene.
A statement read: "Naturally we are deeply concerned, especially given the weather conditions, and Race Control in Alicante is supporting the Scallywag team and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre throughout the operation."
