This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-34162728

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Orpington paramedic dies in Clipper Round The World yacht race Orpington paramedic dies in Clipper Round The World yacht race
(35 minutes later)
A paramedic from south east London has died taking part in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.A paramedic from south east London has died taking part in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race.
Andrew Ashman was adjusting the sail of his team's boat when he was knocked unconscious. Organisers said he failed to regain consciousness, despite resuscitation attempts.Andrew Ashman was adjusting the sail of his team's boat when he was knocked unconscious. Organisers said he failed to regain consciousness, despite resuscitation attempts.
It happened about 120 nautical miles off the Portuguese coast at 00:00 local time.It happened about 120 nautical miles off the Portuguese coast at 00:00 local time.
Mr Ashman's death is the first fatality in the history of the race.Mr Ashman's death is the first fatality in the history of the race.
'Extremely sad''Extremely sad'
Mr Ashman, 49, who was an experienced yachtsman, was aboard the IchorCoal boat, which has been diverted to northern Portugal where it is expected to arrive in the early hours of Sunday.Mr Ashman, 49, who was an experienced yachtsman, was aboard the IchorCoal boat, which has been diverted to northern Portugal where it is expected to arrive in the early hours of Sunday.
The boat's skipper reported the incident happened as the boat was heading south towards Brazil in the first leg of the race.The boat's skipper reported the incident happened as the boat was heading south towards Brazil in the first leg of the race.
Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "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. Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "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."
He said a full investigation had been launched.He said a full investigation had been launched.
Mr Ashman was due to take part in the Southern Ocean and USA coast-to-coast legs of the race. His next of kin have been informed of his death.Mr Ashman was due to take part in the Southern Ocean and USA coast-to-coast legs of the race. His next of kin have been informed of his death.
The first leg of the race launched at St Katharine Docks on 30 August with teams travelling 6,000 miles to Brazil's Rio De Janeiro.The first leg of the race launched at St Katharine Docks on 30 August with teams travelling 6,000 miles to Brazil's Rio De Janeiro.
At 40,000 nautical miles, the world's longest ocean race features 700 participants over its eight stages.At 40,000 nautical miles, the world's longest ocean race features 700 participants over its eight stages.
Twelve teams spend a year travelling the globe, sailing from London to Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Vietnam, China, Seattle, New York via Panama and back to London at the end of July next year.Twelve teams spend a year travelling the globe, sailing from London to Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Vietnam, China, Seattle, New York via Panama and back to London at the end of July next year.