A double tragedy struck the Sydney to Hobart sailing regatta in the South Pacific that began last night after two sailors died in separate accidents, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA, citing organizers and local authorities.
The race committee was notified that both members of different crews had died after being hit by rigging, the race organizers said in a statement published on their website.
New South Wales state police said they were informed shortly before midnight that a crew member of one of the participants in the Sydney to Hobart regatta had been hit by rigging. The remaining crew members provided him with emergency medical assistance but were unable to revive him.
A few hours later, it was reported that a crew member from another vessel had also been struck by rigging and died.
The race organizers said the yachts involved in the accidents were the Flying Fish Arktos and the Bowling Line.
The names of the deceased have not yet been released. The race organizers have scheduled a press conference for later today.
Bad weather forced several yachts to withdraw from the 79th edition of the sailing regatta, which began yesterday, Reuters notes.