British sailor and entrepreneur Tony Bullimore, who was dramatically rescued by the Royal Australian Navy from his upturned yacht in the Southern Ocean, has died at the age of 79.

The BBC and ITV reported that he died after suffering from cancer.

Bullimore became world-famous after he survived for four days in the upturned hull of his boat when it capsized in the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean in 1997.

He had been taking part in the 1996 Vendee Globe single-handed around-the-world race in his boat, Exide Challenger, and was 2200 kilometres off the coast of Australia.

Tony Bullimore (seated) was grateful to his rescuers after surviving almost 90 hours freezing in his capsized yacht in 1997. Photo: AFP/Getty

The then 57-year-old sailor, nicknamed the British bulldog, was feared to have drowned until he was rescued by the navy.

Bullimore was a founding member of the famous Bamboo Club in Bristol, which he opened with wife Lalel, in 1966.

The nightclub hosted stars including Bob Marley and the Wailers, as well as Ben E King, before it closed 11 years after opening because of a fire.

Bristol’s Lord Mayor Cleo Lake paid tribute to Bullimore on Twitter.

“A Bristol legend both on the waters and on the music scene. Everything you did to break down racial barriers. Sleep well Tony Bullimore and thank you,” she wrote.

A Bristol legend both on the waters and on the music scene. Everything you did to break down racial barriers 🙌🏽. Sleep well Tony Bullimore and thank you @bristolarchives pic.twitter.com/A62g9LJXde

— Bristol Lord Mayor (@brislordmayor) July 31, 2018

-AAP