#ClipperRace - A British crewman on a yacht competing in the Clipper Round The World Race has died after an onboard accident days into the first leg.

Andrew Ashman (49) from Orpington in Kent was knocked unconscious by the mainsheet while reefing the main sail on the Plymouth-registered yachr CV21, racing as IchorCoal.

The yacht was sailing in moderate seas with a strong breeze building to Force 6 some 120 nautical miles off the Portuguese coast at the time of the accident, just after midnight in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 5 September).

Ashman, an experienced yachtman and paramedic, was given immediate medical assistance and attempted resuscitation but failed to regain consciousness.

Skipper Darren Ladd reports that the boat linked immediately by satellite phone to the race's remote medical team in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where a doctor provided additional advice and guidance during the emergency.

CV21 is now diverting to northern Portugal to a suitable marina in the Porto area, yet to be confirmed, and is expected to arrive in the early hours of tomorrow morning (Sunday 6 September).

“This is extremely sad news and my heart goes out to his bereaved family and friends, and to his fellow crew who have come to know Andrew with great affection during his training and the early days of this race," said Clipper Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnson on news of the tragedy.

"Safety is always our utmost priority, as our record shows, and we shall investigate the incident immediately in full cooperation with the authorities.”

The deceased was due to participate in the current race to Brazil, the Southern Ocean and USA coast-to-coast legs of the Clipper 2015-16 Race.