Second Briton Sarah Young dies in Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

A second Briton has died in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Forty-year-old Sarah Young from London, was swept away while on board the IchorCoal boat in the Pacific Ocean. According to the organizers of the race, it is yet to be confirmed exactly how Young died –whether by drowning or exposure.

Young was on the ninth race out of the 14-stage event when the accident occurred in the competition that has seen a participation of over 700 crew members in its 2015-15 edition. According to reports, she was cleaning up the cockpit when she was knocked down by a wave before being swept away.

Young's body was found an hour later by rescue workers who struggled in their efforts due to winds of up to 40 knots. She has previously participated in mountaineering in Nepal and was a qualified diving group leader. She leaves behind a partner.

The world race spans over 40,000 nautical miles started in August 2015 and will end on 30 July 2016 when the participants will return to where they started in London. Earlier, British amateur sailor, Andrew Ashman, 49, died after being hit by a sail while competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race on 5 September 2015. Ashman was aboard the IchorCoal boat (CV21) when the incident occurred. Young and Ashman are the only two participants who have died in the world race's 20-year history.

"On behalf of everyone at Clipper Ventures, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Sarah," said Clipper Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, reported BBC News. "She was a very popular and integral member of the Clipper race family and knew our boats well, having sailed with us since London last summer. The safety of our crew has always been and continues to be our main priority and we shall investigate the incident immediately in full co-operation with the authorities."