In brief
Two crew members have tragically died during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race in separate incidents involving being struck by a boom. The incidents occurred aboard the boats Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline, according to New South Wales (NSW) police. The race began on Thursday, and while the first yachts are expected to reach Hobart, several boats have retired due to unfavourable weather conditions.
The first fatal incident was reported shortly before midnight on Thursday by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, with the second incident occurring early Friday morning, resulting in unsuccessful CPR attempts for the second crew member. The Flying Fish Arctos was about 30 nautical miles off Ulladulla, while the Bowline was approximately 30 nautical miles from Batemans Bay, both in NSW. Race organisers and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have expressed their condolences, highlighting the heart-wrenching nature of these losses during an event that is meant to celebrate maritime tradition. The Sydney to Hobart race has seen fatalities before; notably, six people died during the 1998 race amid fierce storms. Despite the tragic incidents, the race is still continuing this year.
