ABN AMRO Two's future participation in the gruelling Volvo Ocean Race is in doubt after the death of a crew member.

Dutchman Hans Horrevoets was swept overboard in the early hours of yesterday morning and failed to regain consciousness after being lifted back on board.

The boat, navigated by Southampton 28-year-old Simon Fisher, was sailing downwind under mainsail in five-metre seas and 30-knot winds about 1,300 miles from Land's End when tragedy struck.

Crewmembers tried to resuscitate Horrevoets, 32, who was married with a young child, but could not revive him.

Competing boats Brunel, Movistar, Pirates and Brasil 1 initially diverted towards the emergency just after 2.55am, but as the boat closest and most likely to be able to assist was Brunel, the other three resumed their courses at 4am.

If the conditions stay as forecast, the race front runners could be in the English Channel early on Sunday morning.

But there was a prevailing sombre mood among the fleet yesterday as a "devastated" AMRO Two crew set course for British main land, currently 1,400 nautical miles from the leg finish in Portsmouth.

Fisher, pictured, had told the Daily Echo on Monday of his excitement about the homecoming before the leg start in New York.

Currently in fifth position of the seven boats, AMRO Two will make a decision about their future participation in the race and the final two remaining legs once they reach Portsmouth.

Amro One, the current leg and overall race leader, are also in mourning.

Skipper Mike Sanderson said: "What a terrible, terrible day.

"It is a sailor's worst nightmare.

"Hans was just the most lovely team player and family man.

"All we can do here is think of Petra his wife, Bobbi his little girl and the rest of Hans' family, who were so supportive of him being in the race.

"I feel the pressure more than ever to get the husbands, the dads, and the fiancs and boyfriends to their families in one piece.

"We have to keep racing though, as otherwise all that Hans has worked for over the last couple of years will be wasted, and we know that he wouldn't want that."