Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: Three Deaths Averted as Sailors Prepare for Challenging Night in Bass Strait

 

The 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has been marred by tragedy, with two sailors killed in a series of deadly incidents caused by severe weather and hazardous conditions. Amid the chaos, a third fatality was narrowly avoided when a crew member was rescued after being swept overboard.

The race, which began on Boxing Day, has seen extraordinary challenges, with two fatalities occurring on separate yachts due to accidents involving the boom – a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. The first death occurred late on Thursday night aboard Flying Fish Arctos, about 30 nautical miles off the coast of Ulladulla, New South Wales, where a 55-year-old sailor from Western Australia was struck in the head by the boom. Despite attempts by the crew to administer CPR, the sailor died before the vessel could reach Jervis Bay.

The second fatality occurred on Bowline, around 30 nautical miles east of Batemans Bay, where 65-year-old Nick Smith from South Australia was fatally injured in the same manner. Smith, an experienced sailor on his fifth Sydney to Hobart race, was struck in the head and fell unconscious. Despite immediate efforts from his crew, including CPR, Smith passed away shortly after the incident.

As the race continued, the danger escalated when a crew member from Porco Rosso, 37-year-old Luke Watkins, was swept overboard during rough conditions near Green Cape, NSW. Watkins was dragged nearly 1.2 kilometers away from the yacht but was saved thanks to the timely activation of his emergency position-indicating radio beacon. Despite swallowing seawater and struggling to stay afloat in freezing temperatures, Watkins was rescued after a 10-minute ordeal in the water.

David Jacobs, vice-commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, described the experience as "one of the most terrifying" any sailor could face, especially during the night. "Being washed overboard at night is tenfold more scary," Jacobs stated, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols and equipment.

As the race progresses towards Tasmania, conditions are expected to worsen. A significant cold front is predicted to bring more severe weather, particularly in the Bass Strait, where sailors are bracing for challenging seas and gusty winds. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, calling the deaths a tragic reminder of the inherent dangers of the race, which remains one of Australia's most prestigious sailing events.

While the race continues, 16 yachts have already retired due to damage and equipment failures, with the most notable withdrawal being that of the super-maxi Master Lock Comanche. The loss of such high-profile vessels reflects the severity of the conditions the sailors are facing.

Jacobs confirmed that the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia will conduct an investigation into the incidents. He also noted that safety protocols, including the mandatory use of emergency beacons, had helped prevent a third death from occurring.

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, an event that has been held since 1945, is known for its harsh conditions, and the 1998 race, in which six sailors lost their lives, led to significant safety reforms. This year’s tragic incidents are a reminder of the dangers sailors face in what is often regarded as one of the world’s most difficult yacht races.