Sailing: Sun Hung Kai crew member rescued after washing overboard in Volvo Ocean Race

Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag had to stage a dramatic rescue during the Volvo Ocean Race on Sunday, after a crew member was washed overboard.

Alex Gough was washed overboard by a wave during a sail change, in winds of 15-20 knots, on the forth leg of the race between Melbourne and Hong Kong.

"He went out on the outrigger, I was driving, and we went off a big sea and it picked him up threw him off, like a horse," said skipper David Witt.

The team instantly swept into recovery mode and the 24-year-old Australian was safely back on board within seven minutes, unharmed.

"The main thing is, we got him back on board."

"He's safe. But I think it's shown everyone how hard it is to see the guy in the water. Even on a sunny day, 18 knots of wind… you wouldn't want to be doing this in 20 knots in the dark," Witt said.

The team continue to lead the fleet toward Hon Kong. Photo / Getty

The veteran of three Sydney to Hobart races wasn't wearing a lifejacket or a harness when he washed off the monohull, admitting his actions weren't the smartest as he climbed back on board.

Scallywag are still leading even after a MOB! All safe and back on track.. going strong 💪🏻 @volvooceanrace pic.twitter.com/9cdo1xrPSD

— Sun Hung Kai Scallywag (@scallywaghk) January 14, 2018

Witt said he should have been tethered or at least have told the helmsman what he planned to do before he went outside the lifelines on the outrigger.

"I was pretty stupid, but luckily the guys were on to it," Gough said.

"They turned around bloody quickly. I'm good. I'm fine. It was a bit scary… but off we go again."

The team resumed racing immediately, however, the rescue cost them crucial miles as they continued to lead the fleet towards Hong Kong.

AkzoNobel and Dongfeng Race Team continue to take the northerly option but haven't seen significantly different weather conditions.