Finistere capsizes in Bunbury race resulting in two deaths
by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club 24 Feb 2018 00:20 PST
23 to 25 February 2018
Finistere © Fremantle Sailing Club / Frances Hammond
Last night at approximately 11.50pm, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received an alarm due to an activation of a personal locator beacon from a crew member of the yacht Finistere, about 10 nautical miles west of Mandurah.
Finistere was participating in the Bunbury and Return Ocean Race being held by the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, which commenced at 5.30pm last night. AMSA immediately mobilised their services including a helicopter and rescue boat. There were six crew on the yacht involved in the incident. We have been informed that tragically, one sailor is deceased. Our Club offers our deepest condolences to the family.
Police continued the search for a missing sailor, but tragically he was recovered at 1130hrs on Saturday, deceased. The four other crew are safe and well. Three nearby yachts in the race were diverted to assist in the search. Commodore Dean McAullay said it was too early to speculate about the incident and the authorities will undertake the appropriate enquiries.
He said counselling will be available to the crew and race competitors and support will be offered to the family at the appropriate time. As a mark of respect, racing scheduled for today at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club has been cancelled.
Read more here and here.