British sailor dies in freak accident during round-the-world yacht race

A British sailor headed for Australia has died after he was swept overboard in rough seas.

Simon Speirs, a 60-year-old retired lawyer, was sailing for Great Britain in the Clipper Round the World Race.

The fleet was sailing from South Africa to Australia on Saturday when Speirs was washed overboard into the Southern Ocean during gale force winds.

The race organisers said in a statement that Speirs fell overboard despite being clipped on to the 21-metre yacht with his safety tether.

Nine.com.au understands that Speirs' safety tether may have failed in very rough seas.

Speirs' tether has now been given to race organisers, who have sent images of the device to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch for further investigation.

Fellow crew members pulled him back on the boat in 36 minutes and tried but failed to revive him. The cause of death was believed to be drowning.

Organisers said Speirs was given a sea burial on Sunday.