A MORTIMER man was rescued mid-way through a world record rowing attempt across the Atlantic after an accident which is feared to have killed his crew mate.

Richard Wattam was part of The Toby Wallace crew, skippered by veteran rower Simon Chalk, who were tackling the 2,989 mile stretch from Gran Canaria to Barbados.

They were travelling at almost four knots when they were hit by a large wave on Monday morning.

Mike Johnson, 21, from Zimbabwe, was thrown overboard and his safety leash broke, and rescuers were unable to find him.

A rescue mission including a plane and a ship tried to locate Mr Johnson, described on the Toby Wallace website as a "keen sportsman" with ambitions to serve in the British Army.

The remaining crew members, including Mr Wattam, 50, were rescued following the accident and were transferred to a ship.

Their destination is not known at this time.

A post on Richard's Atlantic Row facebook reads: "Unfortunately and with great sadness we have to report that The Toby Wallace has endured a horrendous last 24 hours on the water.

"Whilst travelling at almost 4 knots a large wave hit the boat early hours of Monday morning, unseating all rowers and throwing Mike Johnson overboard, breaking his leash.

Despite every effort in terrible conditions, they could not reach or find him. "Over the last 24 hours a search plane has been brought in to the area and the nearest ship has been called and diverted to assist but so far to no avail.

"Although the seven crew (Richard included) are physically ok their hearts and thoughts are with Mike and his family at this very traumatic time."

Mr Wattam, a fitness enthusiast, runs ArcForce, an engineering firm in Station Road, Mortimer.

He was raising cash for Thames Valley Air Ambulance as a tribute to his friend Captain Peter Barnes, a pilot who died after his helicopter crashed in London in 2013.

Before setting off in January, he described the trip as "the most life changing adventure".