Former Australian spy dies after collapsing while trying to row 4,800km in epic race across the Atlantic Ocean

A former Australian spy is believed to have suffered a heart attack and died while trying to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a grueling, epic ocean race.

Alisdair Putt captained the four-man Aussie Old Salts rowing team in the tough Atlantic Challenge of the World's Toughest Row competition.

A former ASIO officer, prosecutor and reserve naval officer, Mr Putt led his team of retired and current military servicemen – aged between 40 and 62 – on the journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.

The team set sail on December 12, but on Thursday Mr Putt collapsed on the deck of their boat around 2:15 pm UTC and could not be resuscitated.

A statement from race organizers confirmed the death 'with sincere sadness' and said Mr Putt's next of kin had been informed, while his crew had been collected and taken to dry land.

“Despite continued efforts by the rest of the crew, resuscitation was unsuccessful,” it added. 'The crew is now safely on board a ship en route to land.

“Our most sincere condolences are extended to the families, friends and supporters of the Putt family, and to the entire Aussie Old Salts team.

Alisdair Putt captained the four-man rowing team Aussie Old Salts (pictured) in the tough Atlantic Challenge or the world's toughest rowing race

'We are in constant contact with the crew, all emergency contacts, as well as the relevant Marine Rescue Coordination Centers, and will continue to support all involved.'

It added: 'This tragedy will obviously also have a profound impact on the other 37 teams we continue to race across the Atlantic.

'Alisdair's family have asked for understanding and support in respecting their privacy during this time of mourning.'

Mr Putt, from Mount Hawthorn in Perth, worked as a war crimes investigator for the UN in Rwanda before the start of the race, having previously run his own law firm in Perth, Western Australia.

The father, married to his wife Kathy, had previously been a prosecutor and investigator at the International Criminal Court, and a war crimes investigator in the Balkans in the late 1990s.

His rowing team had raised money for the Veterans Transition Centre, a local charity in Western Australia that helps Australian veterans transition to civilian life.

They were also said to be raising money for a domestic violence shelter in the remote Kimberley region of north-west WA.

The four-person team – made up of Stuart Moore, Andreas Koenig, Alastair Horton and Mr Putt – planned to split their services on an ongoing basis.

Mr Putt and Mr Koenig rowed for two hours before switching pairs – and they continued rowing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for an estimated six weeks.

A former ASIO officer, prosecutor and reserve naval officer, Mr Putt led his team of retired and current military servicemen – aged between 40 and 62 – on the journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.

The four-person team – made up of Stuart Moore, Andreas Koenig, Alastair Horton and Mr Putt (pictured) – planned to split their services on an ongoing basis.

The team left La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 12 (photo).

Before leaving, Mr Putt told his local newspaper: 'Our bid to be the first ever WA team to row across the Atlantic is partly to publicize the work of the Veterans' Transition Center in Jarrahdale and hopefully raise some money. for his great work.'

News of his death shocked race watchers who spoke fondly of the celebrated skipper.

“Today was a deeply sad day for all of Al's family and so many friends,” said a post on the team's Facebook page.

“He was a remarkable man who lived a remarkable life. Lots of love to Kathy and family. Our thoughts are also with the crew.'

“Sad news indeed, but what a hero, his family, although saddened, should be very proud,” said one.

“When you think about the crew, family and friends, he is a hero and he followed his dreams. What a throwback,” another added.