Tragedy at sea: Two lives claimed in Sydney-Hobart race
Two sailors, crew members of the boats "Flying Fish Arctos" and "Bowline," lost their lives during the 79th edition of the Sydney-Hobart race. Due to unstable weather conditions, many crews chose to withdraw from the race.
According to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, both sailors were struck by a part of the boat (boom) during a storm. Despite resuscitation attempts by fellow crew members, they could not be saved. "Our thoughts are with the crews, families, and friends of the victims," the organisers wrote in a statement.
This is the first fatal incident during the race in more than 25 years. The last such tragedy occurred in 1998, when six sailors died in storms. In the years that followed, regulations were changed to enhance the safety of the event.
Due to unstable weather, many crews, including the favourites "Master Lock Comanche", withdrew from this year's edition of the race.
Tradition and challenge
The race, organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, has been held since 1945. It starts in Sydney on Boxing Day, and the finish line is in Hobart, Tasmania.
Sailors cover 390 nautical miles, which is about 450 miles. It's one of the most prestigious events in the sailing world.
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