Sydney to Hobart tragedy as two men die after boats were smashed by wild weather during the iconic race
Two Sydney to Hobart sailors from separate yachts have died at sea amid wild weather.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which runs the iconic race, said one sailor each from competitors Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline was killed after being struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail.
The incident on board Flying Fish Arctos occurred around 30 nautical miles east-south of Ulladulla on the south-west coast.
Crew members attempted CPR but were unable to revive their teammate.
The crew member on board the Bowline was struck approximately 30 nautical miles east/northeast of Batemans Bay and fell unconscious, with resuscitation also unsuccessful.
The race continues as the fleet continues to Constitution Dock, with the first boats expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning.
“Our thoughts are with the crew, family and friends of the deceased,” the CYCA said in a statement.
“More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
Two sailors from Sydney to Hobart have died at sea amid wild weather
NSW Police said one vessel is being escorted to Bateman’s Bay, while the other is being escorted to Jervis Bay.
Both are expected around 7am.
The deaths come 26 years after six sailors died in storms during the tragic 1998 race, which led to a NSW coronavirus investigation and massive reforms to the safety protocols governing the race.