The Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Cllr Maolíosa McHugh has expressed his heartfelt regret and sadness following the tragic death of Simon Spiers, a crew member on board the Clipper Race yacht CV30, Great Britain, following an incident in the Southern Ocean over the weekend during the Clipper Round the World Race.
Simon Speirs (pictured above), 60, was taking part in the year-long Clipper Round The World challenge as a crew member with team Great Britain.
The retired solicitor, from Bristol, was helping to change a sail when he fell into the Southern Ocean during rough conditions on Saturday, organisers said.
Mayor McHugh said: “I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news earlier today and would like to extend my condolences, and those of the people of the city and district, to Simon’s family at this extremely sad time. Our thoughts are also with the other crew members and everyone associated with the Clipper Race family, who are no doubt totally devastated at this tragic event.
“I will be making contact with Clipper Ventures in the coming days to express our condolences and to offer our support and assistance. “
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