Tragedy at Christmas classic: Two dead at sailing regatta

By Christoph Lother

Sydney (Australia) - There have been two fatalitiesat the traditional Australian sailing regatta from Sydney to the Tasmanian island capital Hobart. A crew member of the yacht "Flying Fish Arctos" and a person on the "Bowline" lost their lives, the organizers announced. The water police are investigating.

One person died on the "Bowline" during the Sydney-Hobart Regatta.
One person died on the "Bowline" during the Sydney-Hobart Regatta.  © Paul Bramble/Rolex via AP/dpa

The crew members who died were each hit by the main boom of their yacht. The "Flying Fish Arctos" was 30 nautical miles east-southeast of Ulladulla at the time of the accident, while the "Bowline" was 30 nautical miles east-northeast of Batemans Bay.

Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful in both cases, it was reported.

The race is "an Australian tradition and it is heartbreaking that at a time that should be a joy, two people have lost their lives," wrote Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (61) on Platform X. "We send our love and deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones."

As the incidents are being investigated by the water police and not all family members have yet been contacted, no further details can be released, the organizers explained.

The regatta is being held for the 79th time this year.