A passion for sailing has cost the life of a crew member of the "Walross 4" in the RORC Transatlantic Race. This was announced late on Tuesday evening by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in coordination with and on behalf of the Akademischer Segler-Verein Berlin. The statement read: "As reported yesterday, a serious accident occurred on board the club yacht 'Walross 4' from ASV-Berlin, which was taking part in the Royal Ocean Racing Club's transatlantic race from Lanzarote to Antigua."
Mourning in the RORC Transatlantic Race
The sad news followed: "The crew member concerned was taken to a nearby cargo ship as part of the measures initiated with the coordinating rescue services. Unfortunately, the crew member has died. We are deeply saddened and mourn with the family." There were initially no further details about the exact course of the accident.
In addition, the RORC informed the ASV-Berlin that the other crew members on board the 'Walross 4' would be "professionally looked after" and supported on the way to their destination harbour. In addition, the RORC "as the organiser of the regatta is also providing full support in coordination with the ASV club management".
The now sad certainty was preceded by the accident in the middle of the Atlantic on 19 January. The Nissen 56 "Walross 4" was travelling from Lazarote to Antigua in the RORC Transatlantic Race. According to the organisers, there was an accident on board the 16.95-metre, 19-year-old ASV-Berlin club yacht in which a crew member fell unconscious.
"Walrus 4" crew supported by emergency doctor
According to the ASV, the ship's command of the "Walross 4" acted in accordance with the emergency protocol, made an emergency call and informed the MRCC. An emergency doctor had been in close contact with the crew and advised them on first aid. The other crew members had remained physically unharmed. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Delgada on the Azores was responsible for coordinating the operation. Click here for the first report of the accident on Monday.
The "Walross 4" took part in the 12th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race along with 20 other boats. The classic race, which is around 3000 nautical miles long, has taken the fleet from the Lanzarote marina to Antigua since the start on 11 January. The fastest boats have already reached the finish line. The field had spread out early in stable trade winds. Click here for the results and interim results.
The "Walross 4" was the only German boat in the RORC Transatlantic Race with skipper Matthias Kahn and a young crew with the sail number GER 6000. Nine of the ten crew members had come on board as students from Berlin universities. A clip from on board on day five of the Transatlantic Race - accompanied by the song "Struck Gold" - still had the golden Atlantic atmosphere which is now overshadowed by great sadness in the sailing community.
RORC Commodore Deb Fish condoles
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, RORC Commodore Deb Fish said: "On behalf of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, I extend our deepest condolences to the crew member's family, friends and loved ones. Our thoughts are also with the crew of the yacht at this extremely difficult time. We would like to thank all those involved in the rescue operations for their professionalism."
