Two sailors die in Sydney to Hobart yacht race amid stormy conditions, organizers say
FILE - A sailboat competes in the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race off Australia's coast.
The annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race faced tragedy in its opening hours as two sailors died in separate accidents amid challenging weather conditions off Australia's coast.
Race officials confirmed the deaths occurred within two hours of each other during the first night of the 628-nautical-mile competition. Both sailors died after being struck by booms - large horizontal poles at the bottom of their vessels' sails.
Race continues despite weather challenges
Seventeen boats retired from the competition due to weather conditions. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia announced the race would continue with 87 boats still competing.
Details of the incidents
The first death occurred on Flying Fish Arctos, about 30 nautical miles east-southeast of Ulladulla. The second took place on Bowline near Batemans Bay. Crew members attempted CPR in both cases without success.
Additional rescue at sea
A third incident saw a sailor from the yacht Porco Rosso wash overboard. The crew member drifted one kilometer before rescue teams located him through his emergency position-indicating radio beacon.
Race history and safety measures
The deaths mark the first fatalities in the race since 1998, when six sailors died during a storm. That tragedy led to major safety reforms, including mandatory radio beacons for all participants.
Current race standings
LawConnect leads the fleet toward Constitution Dock in Hobart, Tasmania. Race officials expect the first boats to arrive late Friday or early Saturday morning.