2024 Sydney to Hobart marred by tragic deaths at sea

The 2024 Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been marred by tragedy, with two sailors losing their lives in separate incidents overnight. These mark the first fatalities in the race since the catastrophic 1998 edition, which claimed six lives.

The incidents occurred as the fleet of 104 vessels encountered challenging weather conditions along the New South Wales south coast. The first tragedy struck the yacht Flying Fish Arctos approximately 30 nautical miles east-southeast of Ulladulla at around 11:50 p.m. (AEDT). A crew member was fatally struck by the sail boom, despite immediate CPR efforts by fellow sailors. The yacht has since altered course to Jervis Bay, where it is expected to arrive around 7 a.m.

The second incident involved the yacht Bowline, occurring around 2:15 a.m. (AEDT) approximately 30 nautical miles east of Batemans Bay. A crew member was also struck by the sail boom, and CPR efforts were again unsuccessful. The vessel is being escorted to Batemans Bay by the police vessel Nemesis, with an anticipated arrival time of 7 a.m.

NSW Police and race control have confirmed the tragedies, stating that the events are under investigation. Both families have been notified, and further details are being withheld pending completion of inquiries.

David Jacobs, Vice Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), described the double loss as a “terrible tragedy.” He emphasised the club’s commitment to safety and indicated that an investigation would be conducted to assess potential improvements to safety measures. Jacobs noted that while the conditions were challenging, they were not deemed extreme enough to warrant cancelling the race, as the fleet comprises ocean racers accustomed to harsh conditions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended condolences to the victims’ families, friends, and loved ones, calling the incident “heartbreaking.” He reflected on the Sydney to Hobart as an Australian tradition and expressed sorrow that lives were lost during what should have been a joyous event.

In a separate incident, a crew member aboard the Tasmanian yacht Porco Rosso fell overboard but was miraculously rescued after drifting more than a kilometer from the vessel. The sailor is reported to be in good health.

Despite the tragedies, the race continues, with 88 vessels still in competition following 16 retirements, including race leader Master Lock Comanche, which suffered mainsail damage and was forced to withdraw. The fleet faces further rough conditions as it approaches Bass Strait, with strong winds and waves forecasted to intensify.

The events have cast a somber shadow over one of Australia’s most iconic sporting traditions, with the sailing community mourning the loss of two lives and reaffirming its commitment to improving safety at sea.

Currently, LawConnect is sitting in the lead where they were at $2.90 odds with the top online bookmakers to cross the line first.

Sydney To Hobart Live Results

• LawConnect – Christian Beck, NSW RacingDTG, 209.1
• Celestial V70 – Sam Haynes, NSW RacingDTG, 225.1
• Wild Thing 100 – Grant Wharington & Adrian Seiffert, QLD RacingDTG, 232.8
• No Limit – David Gotze, NSW RacingDTG, 273.1
• Whisper – David Griffith, NSW RacingDTG, 288.4

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