A rower who was rescued from the pacific ocean after the boat he was racing in started to sink has revealed he is already preparing for his next big challenge.

Fraser Hart, 33, from Holden Park in Tunbridge Wells was part of a team taking part in the 2,400 mile Great Pacific Race when the boat they were travelling in started to take on water on the second day of their journey.

He has now revealed despite the set back he is already planning his next big challenge.

The four men tried to stop the flooding but despite all their efforts had to be urgently evacuated by organisers.

The race takes place between between Monterey in California, and Honolulu in Hawaii and usually takes participants between 30 and 90 days to complete.

All vessels are restricted from carrying an engine or sail.

Fraser, who works as a web developer in Sevenoaks, has now spoken out about the experience: "We first noticed signs of trouble when we realised our watermaker lockers had completely flooded and the cushions on the floor of the aft cabin were wet.

"The deck floor space was also completely inundated with water. We bailed out the lockers manually and were keeping the water in the floor space at bay, though with the waves crashing coming over the side of the boat this was a losing battle.

Fraser has said he has not been disheartened by the set back this year, and is already looking for sponsors for 2016.

He added: "The only question mark over it in all our heads for the Great Pacific Race 2016 is the financial aspect.

"We've taken a massive hit financially with this campaign but will be putting the feelers out to potential sponsors to come aboard with our campaign in the next few weeks."

The team attempted to stop water entering the boat by patching up all entry holes with sealant and putty.

Despite all efforts, the crew eventually had to be evacuated by a coast guard helicopter after the entire bottom of the vessel was submerged in water and one of the rowers became effected by water exposure.

Fraser added: "Sam's survival suit had filled with water while he tried to put it on and he was very much feeling the effects of exposure, so we were a little concerned for him."

The crew had been preparing for the race for 18 months and now have to wait another two years to compete again.

Fraser said: "It's devastating that the race has been cut short. We've all thrown huge amounts of time, effort and money at it."

"Getting to the start line has been a full time job in itself and a massive achievement in the first place. We have an amazing team and were making great pace.

"It was early days in the crossing but we all feel we had a very realistic shot on the world record. We had everything in place except for a watertight boat."

Race organisers kept the friends and families of all teammates informed at all times throughout the process.

"It's devastating that the race has been cut short. We've all thrown huge amounts of time, effort and money at it" - Fraser Hart

Fraser has previously spoken to Kmfm about his passion for raising awareness of the level of pollution in the ocean and the team hope to carry this with them on their campaign in two years time.

Fraser will be returning to the UK this week after spending time in California following the incident.

He is eager to start organising his next big challenge.

The other members of the rowing team are Sam Collins, 24, from Cornwall, James White, 35, from London and Colin Parker, 35, from Auckland, New Zealand.