British America's Cup sailor Andrew Simpson dies in training accident

The sailing world was in shock today after news that British Olympic medallist and Dorset resident Andrew Simpson, one of the Artemis Racing crewmembers due to take part in the 2013 America's Cup this summer, has died following a tragic accident during training.

According to local news sources, rescuers pulled 12 sailors from the water. Simpson was taken on an Artemis support boat to the St Francis Yacht Club, where a team paramedic performed CPR. Simpson was pronounced dead a short time after he arrived onshore.

Artemis Racing released a statement saying: "It is with immense sadness that Artemis Racing confirms the tragic death of crewmember Andrew “Bart” Simpson today in San Francisco.

"Simpson, a British double Olympic gold medalist, was one of the 11-man crew aboard Artemis Racing’s AC72 catamaran, which capsized during training on San Francisco Bay ahead of this summer’s America’s Cup. All other crewmembers are accounted for.

"Simpson, however, was trapped underneath the boat and despite attempts to revive him, by doctors afloat and subsequently ashore, his life was lost.

“The entire Artemis Racing team is devastated by what happened,” said CEO Paul Cayard. “Our heartfelt condolences are with Andrew’s wife and family.”