Ex-spy dies on boat trying to cross Atlantic Ocean in 'World's Toughest Row'
A former spy has died on a mammoth expedition rowing the Atlantic Ocean after suffering a cardiac episode.
Alisdair Putt was partway through the gruelling journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua acting as skipper for the four-person Aussie Old Salts team. But tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon when the married father from Perth, West Australia, suffered a medical episode and died.
His fellow crewmen - current and former military men aged between 40 and 62 - tried desperately to revive Mr Putt but to no avail. The tragic news was confirmed by race officials on Friday.
The ex-Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) agent had also previously worked as a prosecutor and navy reserve officer and was described as a "remarkable man who lived a remarkable life". Prior to the start of the race, he had been investigating war crimes in Rwanda for the UN, MailOnline reports, and had previously worked for the International Criminal Court, as well as a war crimes investigator in the Balkans in the late 1990s.
He had set off with the team on December 12 embarking on the punishing 4,800km race, with the crew raising money for a veterans charity. Mr Putt's wife Kathy and the rest of his family have been made aware of his death, the cause of which is pending investigation, race officials said.
Missing radioactive capsule found after huge search - and it's the size of a pea
A spokesperson for the challenge said: “It is with heartfelt sadness that we must convey the news of the death of Alisdair Putt - Skipper of the four-person team, Aussie Old Salts. On the 4th January 2024 at approx 14:15 hrs UTC, Alisdair suffered what is believed to be a cardiac related event whilst on deck (Pending inquiry).
“Despite the rest of the crew's continuous efforts, resuscitation was not successful. Next of kin have been informed. We are in constant contact with the crew, all emergency contacts, as well as the Marine Rescue Coordination Centres involved, and will continue to support all involved.
“The crew are now safely onboard a vessel heading for land. This tragedy will of course also have a profound impact on the other 37 teams we have still racing across the Atlantic.
“The family of Alisdair have asked for understanding and support in respecting their privacy during this period of mourning. Our most sincere condolences are wholeheartedly offered to the families, friends and supporters of the Putt family, and the whole of the Aussie Old Salts team.”
Mr Putt's team had been fundraising for the Veterans Transition Centre, a local charity in Western Australia, as well as a domestic violence shelter in the remote Kimberley region of north-west WA. The four-man team consisted of Mr Putt, Stuart Moore, Andreas Koenig, Alastair Horton, with the men taking it in turns to row on two-hour, two-man shifts.
Before setting off, Mr Putt told his local newspaper: “Our attempt to be the first ever WA team to row the Atlantic Ocean is, in part, to publicise the work of the Veterans’ Transition Centre at Jarrahdale, and hopefully raise some money for its great work.”
News of his death shocked those who had been keeping up to date with the team's progress. Posting on their Facebook page, a statement said: “Today has been a profoundly sad day for all of Al's family and so many friends.”
“He was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life. Lots of love to Kathy and family. Our thoughts are also with the crew.” Commenting on the update, one person wrote: “Sad news indeed, but what a hero, his family although saddened, should be very proud.” Another wrote: “Thinking of the crew, family, friends - he is a hero, and he followed his dreams. What a legacy.”
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
