Volvo Ocean Race: SHK Scallywag sponsor pays tribute
by Sun Hung Kai & Co 27 Mar 2018 02:06 PDT
27 March 2018
Leg 7 from Auckland to Itajai, Day 9 on board Sun Hung Kai / Scallywag. Finally a 'big wave' John Fisher. 25 March, © Konrad Frost / Volvo Ocean Race
Lee Seng Huang and Sun Hung Kai & Co. owner and sponsor of Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag have issued a statement following the loss overboard of UK born, Adelaide resident John Fisher during the Volvo Ocean Race:
“We are devastated by the news involving our crew member, John Fisher, following a man overboard incident early on Monday afternoon UTC.
"Witty and the Scallywag crew have been battling extremely treacherous condition in the Southern Ocean and this tragedy is heart breaking.
"The crew did everything they could to recover John, leading an extensive search and rescue operation in stormy conditions. Now, with the forecast worsening and night falling, the team has made the difficult decision to head for landfall, 1,200 nautical miles away in South America.
"Over our long passages, I have come to know Fish well. Despite the dangers of the sport he loved his sailing. He is one of our own, a long-term member of the team. He is a great and experienced sailor, the finest human being and a true Scallywag.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and the crew at this most difficult time, and we are working with Volvo Ocean Race to provide all the support we can. Our focus now is getting the boat and crew to a safe harbour.”