By A Sydney to Hobart race yacht, which tragically lost a crew member, has docked at Jervis Bay in southern NSW. Despite the devastating loss of two lives overnight, race organisers have confirmed the event will continue. Vice Commodore David Jacobs of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the host of the race, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who passed, extending his sympathies to the entire sailing community.
“Everyone in the sailing community and every participant in the race will be feeling this deeply.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also offered his condolences, stating, “We have sadly woken up to the tragic news from the Sydney to Hobart race, where two sailors have lost their lives.” “Our thoughts are with the crews, their families and loved ones at this deeply sad time.”
Police confirmed this morning that two people lost their lives in separate incidents overnight. Around 11:50pm, authorities were notified that a crew member aboard a yacht had been hit by a sail boom. Despite CPR efforts by fellow crew members, the injured individual could not be saved.
The Infinite understands the two vessels involved were Bowline and Flying Fish Arctos.
Jacobs confirmed that an investigation into the incident would take place. “We are always looking to improve safety wherever possible. We will conduct an investigation, and if there are measures boats can take to prevent this from happening again, we will implement them,” he said.
He dismissed the idea that the race should have been canceled, stating that the forecasted weather conditions were not “extreme.” “These fleets are well-equipped to handle such winds. They are ocean racers accustomed to these conditions, which were not extreme,” Jacobs explained.
He also highlighted a narrowly avoided tragedy overnight when a crew member from the yacht Porco Rosso fell overboard in a “terrifying” incident. “The individual was swept about 1.2 nautical miles from the boat, but all safety protocols were followed,” Jacobs said.
“Their personal location beacon (PLB) was activated, AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) contacted our race control, and AMSA dispatched a plane to aid in the search,” he added. “Boats were diverted to assist, and the Porco Rosso managed to retrieve the crew member. It was a good outcome, and the individual is now safe and healthy.”