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'We are devastated' - British sailor John Fisher presumed to be lost at sea during Volvo Ocean Race

March 28, 2018

Time is running out for British sailor John Fisher, lost overboard during the Volvo Ocean Race.

The Scallywag crew and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre carried out a search and rescue operation to find the sailor, but now the Volvo Ocean Race says he's presumed to be lost at sea.

The president of the Volvo Ocean Race, Richard Brisius, released a statement late on Tuesday night (NZT).

"This is heart-breaking for all of us. As sailors and race organisers losing a crew member at sea is a tragedy we don’t ever want to contemplate," the statement read.

"We are devastated and our thoughts are with John’s family, friends and teammates."

John Fisher, a British citizen and member of team Scallywag, fell overboard in the early hours of Tuesday morning (NZT).

The incident took place approximately 1,400 miles west of Cape Horn, with water temperature at nine degrees celsius, however conditions were expected to deteriorate.

"The crew is, of course, emotionally and physically drained after what they have just experienced."

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