Search for man who swam from police and strong winds could close lanes on the Harbour Bridge today. Video / NZ Herald
A double tragedy has rocked the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race after two sailors died in separate incidents.
Authorities reported that a crew member aboard one entry into the race was struck by a boom just before midnight - fellow members attempted CPR but were unable to revive them.
Around two hours later disaster struck again as another sailor was also struck by a boom and died.
Commodore David Jacobs of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia spoke to media in Sydney about the “devastating” deaths of the two sailors.
“You will be aware of the terrible, tragic currents that have happened overnight, where we lost two sailors.
“As I’ve said to some of you, the sailing community is a very close community, and there’s about 1,000 sailors on the water in this race, and to lose two in this fashion, it’s just devastating.”
He said there was no other information to be given as to the circumstances of the two incidents, other than to say it is believed they were both hit by a boom.
“In both cases we believe the member of crew was hit by a boom. I have no other information as to how that came about and what the circumstances were, so I’m afraid I can’t elaborate on that today. When we do find out, we will share that with you.”
The fleet competes during the start of the 2025 Sydney to Hobart race - it is unknown which vessels suffered the fatalities. Photo / Getty Images
Jacobs confirmed that the race would continue despite the tragic events and that the conditions were “not extreme conditions”.
“The forecast was, it’s not an extreme forecast. There was strong winds. The forecast was strong winds to gale force winds. These fleets can can handle those things. They’re ocean races. They’re used to those winds. It was not extreme conditions,” he said.
New South Wales police are yet to release the names of the race entrants.
In a statement, race organisers said the vessel Flying Fish Arctos was “sailing approximately 30 nautical miles (55 kilometres) east/south-east of Ulladulla when the incident occurred.
“Fellow crew members performed CPR, but they could not revive their fellow crew.
“Bowline was approximately 30 nautical miles east/north-east of Batemans Bay and crew members administered CPR. A short time later officers from the Marine Area Command were informed that CPR had been unsuccessful.
“As these incidents are being dealt with by the Water Police and all family members are yet to be contacted, we cannot provide further details at this stage.
“Our thoughts are with the crews, family and friends of the deceased.”
Flying Fish Arctos is listed as “the flagship yacht in the Flying Fish offshore training fleet” and has a crew of 10 plus a skipper and navigator.
Bowline has a crew of seven plus a skipper and navigator, according to race listings.
Several boats have now withdrawn from the race, including favourite Master Lock Comanche due to sail damage.
The vessel, which has claimed line honours four times and is the race record holder, was leading the race when her withdrawal was announced.
LawConnect currently leads the race.
Will Toogood is an online sports editor and golf reporter for the NZ Herald. He enjoys watching people chase a ball around on a grass surface so much he decided to make a living out of it.
