Page last updated at 19:06 GMT, Friday, 6 November 2009

Yachtsman rescued from Atlantic

Hull and Humber clipper
The clipper was sailing in heavy seas when Mr Bowers went overboard

A crewman on a round-the-world yacht race has been pulled from the waters of the South Atlantic after a wave swept him overboard.

The Hull and Humber clipper was in heavy seas 1,400 miles (2,253km) from Cape Town, South Africa, when Arthur Bowers, 51, was hit by the wave.

Mr Bowers was rescued by his crew mates after 17 minutes in the water.

He was checked for hypothermia and shock but is not believed to have suffered any physical injuries.

Race organiser Clipper Ventures said Mr Bowers had unclipped his safety line so he could walk down the steps into the saloon part of the yacht when he was knocked into the water.

'High standards'

His team-mates raised the alarm and the clipper circled Mr Bowers twice before he was recovered by crew member Jeremy Reed, who was lowered into the water by a harness.

The incident happened at 1345 GMT on Friday. Clipper Ventures said the waves had been up to 8m high.

Race director Joff Bailey said: "Man overboard manoeuvres are practised daily in training to cover this situation.

"That the crew reacted so quickly and efficiently is a testament to the high standards set during the pre-race training, which has helped them develop their skills as ocean racing yachtsmen and women."

The 10 yachts began their 35,000-mile (56,000km) voyage across the world's major oceans from Hull in September.

The yachts are due to finish in Hull in July 2010.

Print Sponsor

Crowds watch Clipper race start
13 Sep 09 |  Humber
Injured Clipper race man rescued
18 Sep 07 |  Cornwall

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

BBC navigation



Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific