Sailing: John Thompson (54), the skipper of Belfast yacht Avocet participating in the Atantic Rally for cruisers, has died in hospital in Barbados following an accident in the mid-Atlantic.

The news of the fatality was issued yesterday by the directors of the World Cruising Club as the bulk of the 235-boat fleet were finishing the 2,700-mile race in St Lucia.

Thompson - a lawyer from Bangor, Co Down - sustained serious head injuries when he was struck by a winch in rough seas last Friday.

The Maritime Rescue Control Centre (MRCC) in Martinique diverted a cruise ship, the Costa Mediterranea, to attend the scene and at first light this day last week Thompson was transferred to the ship.

His son Daniel, who had been sailing with him, accompanied his father.

Early on Monday morning John was transferred ashore once the ship reached Barbados, where he received hospital treatment.

Regrettably, John did not recover from his serious injuries while in hospital, and died late on Thursday. His family were with him.

Andrew Bishop, managing director of the event organisers, World Cruising Club, said: "We are all deeply saddened by the news of John's death in this tragic sailing accident and send our condolences and prayers to his family.

"Despite this being such a difficult time for them, I know that they take some comfort from the fact that John died participating in the sport he loved."

The yacht Avocet, with four remaining crew, continued on to St Lucia.