Former Australian spy Alisdair Putt dies during ‘World’s Toughest Row’ across the Atlantic

A former Australian spy and war crimes investigator has died skippering a rowing boat in a race across the Atlantic Ocean.

Alisdair Putt, who had planned to spend his 62nd birthday on the boat, suffered a heart attack while competing in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic rowing race from the Canary Islands to Antigua.

Race organisers confirmed he died on 4 January, despite the efforts of his crewmates to save him.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that we must convey the news of the death of Alisdair…