A British sailor has gone overboard amid gale force winds in the Southern Ocean during the Volvo Ocean Race.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

A search and rescue operation is underway.

John Fisher, a member of Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag, was reported overboard early this morning.

The remaining crew were reported safe.

The team and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre are searching for Mr Fisher after he went overboard at about 1.42pm on Monday (local time).

The incident happened 1400 miles west of Cape Horn.

A strong 35-knot westerly wind is blowing in the area, preventing any of the other six boats in the race from diverting to assist in the search.

A ship that was about 400 nautical miles away has been diverted to the scene.

There is daylight in the area, but weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate in the coming hours.

Volvo Ocean Race organisers say they're deeply concerned, especially given the weather conditions, and Race Control in Alicante is supporting the Scallywag team rescue crew throughout the operation.

The teams are currently on Day 9 of Leg 7, a 7600-mile race from Auckland to Brazil.

-RNZ