Two fatalities have occurred during Australia’s prestigious Sydney to Hobart yacht race, as confirmed by local authorities. Both incidents involved crew members who were struck by the boom, a large pole that supports the sail.
According to event organizers, the tragic incidents took place on the vessels Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline. The first boats are set to arrive in Hobart, Tasmania, later today or early tomorrow, although several teams have withdrawn due to adverse weather conditions.
New South Wales police reported that the first incident was communicated to them just before midnight on Thursday by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Subsequently, the second incident was reported at 02:15 on Friday, with crew members aboard Bowline administering CPR, which proved unsuccessful.
Flying Fish Arctos was located approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Ulladulla, while Bowline was about 30 nautical miles northeast of Batemans Bay, both in New South Wales. Organizers expressed their condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the crews, family, and friends of the deceased.”
Despite these incidents, the race, which kicked off on Thursday, is ongoing. This year’s race is not without precedent; it has a history of fatalities, including a tragic event in 1998 where six individuals, including Olympic yachtsman Glyn Charles, lost their lives due to severe storms.
