Two sailors tragically lost their lives in boom-related incidents during the tumultuous opening night of the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race. These fatal accidents occurred mere hours apart, underscoring the event’s grim history of maritime fatalities.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which oversees the prestigious race, confirmed on Friday that the two sailors, one from each of the vessels Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline, succumbed after being hit by the boom—a significant horizontal pole supporting the sail.
New South Wales Police Superintendent Joe McNulty reported that the deceased included a 55-year-old man from Western Australia aboard Flying Fish Arctos and a 65-year-old man from South Australia on Bowline. He noted that the crews of these vessels, currently held by police as part of their investigation, are coping with the aftermath of the harrowing events.
“Our officers are in touch with them and providing medical assistance and counseling,” McNulty mentioned. “It has been extremely challenging for everyone involved. They are quite shaken by the experience they faced.”
Additionally, it was reported that a sailor was ejected overboard from the yacht Porco Rosso, but fortunately, he was successfully rescued after drifting approximately a kilometer from the boat. The emergency position-indicating radio beacon he activated—a mandatory safety device for all participants—played a key role in his rescue.
“This is undoubtedly one of the most frightening experiences a sailor can face,” lamented David Jacobs, vice-commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. “Especially under nighttime conditions, which amplifies the fear tenfold.”
These fatalities occurred 26 years after six sailors tragically perished during a storm in the race’s 1998 edition, a tragedy that prompted significant reforms in safety measures, including the requirement for all sailors to carry a radio beacon. Throughout the race’s 79-year history, there have been a total of 13 fatalities, including four due to heart-related issues.
Despite the difficult start to the race, the fleet continued its journey to Constitution Dock in Hobart, Tasmania, where the defending champion, LawConnect, emerged victorious for the second consecutive year. Under the command of skipper Christian Beck, LawConnect entered Hobart harbor at 2:35 a.m. local time on Saturday, completing the arduous 628 nautical mile route in 1 day, 13 hours, and 35 minutes. However, the atmosphere during their celebration was notably subdued following the tragic news.
Jacobs emphasized that the race would undoubtedly proceed in the future. “The situations are challenging, but not overwhelming,” he stated. “Winds were around 25 knots, manageable for most sailors.” He added, “The sailing community is incredibly tight-knit, and the loss of two sailors in such a tragic manner is heart-wrenching.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, acknowledging the terrible news of the two sailors’ deaths. “It is a tragic awakening for the Sydney to Hobart race today, and our thoughts are with the crews and the families affected during this profoundly difficult time.”
The unfortunate event involving Flying Fish Arctos took place about 30 nautical miles east-southeast of Ulladulla, where attempts at CPR were unsuccessful. Similarly, the crew onboard Bowline experienced a devastating incident approximately 30 nautical miles east/north-east of Batemans Bay, where CPR also could not save their teammate.
In light of the ongoing investigations led by the Water Police, further details cannot be shared at the moment, as loved ones have not yet been notified. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has extended its sympathies to the families and friends of those who died.
In the upcoming 2024 race, the first all-Filipino crew, consisting of 15 sailors, had entered but subsequently withdrew due to adverse weather conditions. Led by experienced sailor Ernesto Echauz, the vessel Centennial 7 was among six international entries, featuring participants from both the Philippines’ national team and its navy.
Last year, LawConnect clinched victory in a thrilling finish, narrowly defeating the defending champion Comanche. This year, however, LawConnect established a commanding lead of around 20 nautical miles ahead of its closest rival, Celestial V70. Notably, Comanche, which withdrew from the current race, still holds the record for the fastest time, set in 2017 with a remarkable completion of 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes, and 24 seconds.
