This year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race was marred by the tragic deaths of two crew members, both of whom were struck by booms on their respective vessels.
Tragedy Strikes Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as Two Crew Members Lose Lives
Tragedy Strikes Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race as Two Crew Members Lose Lives
Separate incidents involving two yachts lead to fatalities during Australia's annual sailing event.
Both crew members died in separate incidents after being hit by a boom - the large pole attached horizontally to the bottom of a sail. The event's organisers said the incidents occurred on the Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline. The first boats are expected to reach Hobart, Tasmania, later on Friday or early on Saturday, with several competitors already opting out due to adverse weather conditions.
New South Wales (NSW) police were alerted just before midnight on Thursday by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority regarding the first incident. Two hours later, at 02:15 on Friday, they received a further report that CPR was being administered to the second victim, though this was unsuccessful. The Flying Fish Arctos incident took place approximately 30 nautical miles east/south-east of Ulladulla, while Bowline was around 30 nautical miles east/north-east of Batemans Bay.
In a statement, race organisers expressed their condolences, stating, "Our thoughts are with the crews, family and friends of the deceased." Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Sydney to Hobart race has seen fatalities; a tragic storm in 1998 led to the loss of six lives, including British Olympic yachtsman Glyn Charles. Despite the sorrow, the race, which commenced on Thursday, is still progressing.
New South Wales (NSW) police were alerted just before midnight on Thursday by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority regarding the first incident. Two hours later, at 02:15 on Friday, they received a further report that CPR was being administered to the second victim, though this was unsuccessful. The Flying Fish Arctos incident took place approximately 30 nautical miles east/south-east of Ulladulla, while Bowline was around 30 nautical miles east/north-east of Batemans Bay.
In a statement, race organisers expressed their condolences, stating, "Our thoughts are with the crews, family and friends of the deceased." Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Sydney to Hobart race has seen fatalities; a tragic storm in 1998 led to the loss of six lives, including British Olympic yachtsman Glyn Charles. Despite the sorrow, the race, which commenced on Thursday, is still progressing.
