Image: Source: CYCA/Salty Dingo Media via Rolex Sydney Hobart on Facebook
Two sailors taking part in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race have died following sail boom incidents along the NSW coastline.
NSW Police were notified that at 11:50pm on Thursday December 26, a crew member on board the yacht called Flying Fish Arctos was hit by a sail boom (a part of the yacht extending horizontally from the mast). Though other sailors on board attempted CPR, their colleague could not be revived and the yacht made its course for Jervis Bay.
Soon after at 2am on Friday December 27, a similar incident occurred on another yacht, the Bowline. Several crew members were hit by their ship’s sail boom, and suffered one fatality at 2:15am.
A statement from the organisers confirmed these details, while also sharing their condolences with the crews, friends and families of those who died.
Stronger winds than expected have been cited as one of the main reasons for the deaths, with 80kph winds nearing the severe winds threshold.
17 other yachts have also pulled out of the race owing to a number of different issues, such as foil and mainsail damage, as well as general retirements.
Statements on Sydney to Hobart deaths
Politicians and the public alike have come together to pay condolences to those who died in the Sydney to Hobart tragedies.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said on Facebook: “My thoughts and condolences to the crews, family, friends and loved ones of the two sailors who tragically died during the Sydney to Hobart race overnight. And thank you to every emergency service worker who responded to this difficult tragedy.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took to Twitter/X to pay his respects to the lives lost:
Our thoughts this morning are with the two sailors that tragically lost their lives in the Sydney to Hobart race overnight.
The Sydney to Hobart is an Australian tradition, and it is heartbreaking that two lives have been lost at what should be a time of joy.
We send our love…
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 26, 2024
In response to the news, members of the public were shocked by the tragic news. “It’s just unfathomable. Two in separate incidents. So much love to their crew members who tried to save them, and of course to their families,” said one commenter.
Others mentioned that though this tragedy occurred, the race shouldn’t be banned. One user said: “These sailors know the risk, and they re-enter annually knowing the risks. We can’t just keep banning everything.”
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