It has been more than 20 years since British sailor Tony Bullimore was dramatically rescued from the Southern Ocean by Aussie Navy officers after his yacht capsized during a solo round-the-world race.
However the 79-year-old, who was still racing on the water up until last year, has sadly passed away after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
The sad news was reported by the BBC on Tuesday, as it was revealed that the heroic sailor, who even caught the attention of the Queen following his ordeal at sea, had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
Bullimore, from Bristol, UK, was made headlines around the world after remarkably surviving four days in the upturned hull of his boat in perilously icy waters, on a diet of water and chocolate, after the vessel capsized.
He had been taking part in the Vendée Globe single-handed race and used an emergency beacon to attract attention 2,500-kilometre away from the Australian coast.
The sailor, who survived winds of up to 160 kilometres-an-hour, was feared to have drowned, after his boat, the Exide Challenger, capsized. The sailor’s life was saved thanks to an Aussie rescue effort, which was estimated to have cost around $6 million.
Mr Bullimore was also prolific in his hometown for his career in music after he, and wife Lalel, opened the Bamboo Club music venue which hosted major acts such as Bob Marley, Ben E King and Tina Turner.
Bristol Mayor Councillor Cleo Lake paid tribute to the local “legend”. In a statement printed in the Bristol Post, she said: “It is said that all good things must come to an end yet that isn’t true with the passing of Tony Bullimore.
“Through the sadness of this news comes a reflection upon what he had achieved not only in his life and for his life but what he had achieved for Bristol and for our lives today. My thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time.”