Two sailors tragically lost their lives in separate boom-related incidents during the first night of the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race, which was severely impacted by stormy conditions. This year’s race has added to the historically somber narrative of fatalities at sea associated with the event.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which organizes the race, confirmed on Friday that a sailor from the boat Flying Fish Arctos and another from Bowline were the victims after being struck by the boom, which is a crucial part of the sailing rig. Authorities have identified the sailors: a 55-year-old man from Western Australia and a 65-year-old from South Australia.
New South Wales Police Superintendent Joe McNulty noted that the crews were undergoing a difficult experience. He mentioned that police, doctors, and counselors were providing necessary support to the shaken teams involved. “They’re assisting with our inquiries. They are shaken up by what they’ve seen … and they didn’t give up,” he said.
In another incident, a crew member from the yacht Porco Rosso was washed overboard but was successfully rescued after drifting a kilometer away from his vessel. This crew member activated an emergency position-indicating radio beacon, a safety device all participants in the race are required to wear. Vice-commodore of the CYCA, David Jacobs, described the experience as incredibly frightening, especially since it occurred at night.
The recent deaths deepen the race’s tragic history, particularly recalling the 1998 race during which six sailors perished due to severe storms. Following that incident, significant safety reforms were implemented, including the requirement for all sailors to carry radio beacons. Over the 79-year history of the Sydney to Hobart race, there have been 13 recorded fatalities, including four attributed to heart attacks.
Despite the challenges posed by weather conditions, the race continued, with the fleet making its way towards Constitution Dock in Hobart, Tasmania. Early Saturday morning is estimated for the arrival of the first boats, navigating a grueling distance of 628 nautical miles (722 miles or 1,160 kilometers). Jacobs expressed confidence about the race’s continuation, stating that while the conditions were tough, they were manageable for experienced sailors.
The sailing community, which comprises around a thousand participants in this event, has felt the weight of this loss, with Jacobs describing the situation as heartbreaking. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed condolences following the incident, extending thoughts to the crews and families affected.
The unfortunate event involving the Flying Fish Arctos occurred approximately 30 nautical miles east-southeast of Ulladulla, where the crew’s attempts at CPR were futile. Similarly, the crew member aboard Bowline lost consciousness after being struck, and their ensuing CPR efforts were also unsuccessful. The CYCA confirmed that the Water Police are handling the ongoing investigations and further details cannot be provided until the families are informed.
In a different note, the upcoming 2024 race was anticipated to feature the first all-Filipino crew, aimed to be led by veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz aboard Centennial 7. However, this entry had to retire due to the challenging weather conditions.
The previous edition of the race saw LawConnect clinch line honors in a thrilling finish against defending champion Comanche, by a mere 51 seconds. As of almost 30 hours into this year’s race, 82 yachts remained in competition while 22 either retired at sea or in port, with LawConnect currently leading but facing around 100 nautical miles to the finish in Hobart. Celestial V70 follows in second, about 20 nautical miles behind.
