10 May 2013

British sailor killed on San Francisco Bay

10:40 am on 10 May 2013

British Olympian Andrew Simpson has been killed as the America's Cup catamaran for Sweden's Artemis Racing capsized during training on San Francisco Bay.

Simpson, a British double Olympic gold medallist, was one of the 11-man crew aboard Artemis Racings AC72 catamaran which capsized during training on San Francisco Bay ahead of this year's America's Cup.

Artemis Racing CEO Paul Cayard says Simpson was trapped underneath the boat and despite attempts to revive him his life was lost.

Several New Zealanders are part of the team, but are believed to be safe.

The America's Cup race is scheduled to run from July through September.

The United States, Sweden, New Zealand and Italy are competing.