Just 30 miles from the finish line in Hong Kong at the end of Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race, American entry Vestas 11th Hour Racing, collided with a small fishing boat. The accident caused the death of one of the Chinese fishermen and sank the boat. Vestas was able to rescue the survivors but their own boat was badly damaged in the collision. Read the update below.
The team will not rejoin the race in time for Leg 6 – and the yacht has been loaded onto a freight vessel in Hong Kong for transportation to Auckland
STATEMENT FROM VESTAS 11TH HOUR RACING
5 February 2018 (Hong Kong) – Vestas 11th Hour Racing has undertaken steps to repair their Volvo Ocean 65 yacht, which was involved in a collision with a non-racing vessel at the end of Leg 4 near Hong Kong.
The time required for repairs means the team will not be rejoining the race in time for Leg 6 from Hong Kong to Auckland, New Zealand. The shore crew has loaded the yacht onto a freight vessel in Hong Kong for transportation to Auckland.
“Along with our colleagues in the Volvo Ocean Race and the other competing teams, we have all offered our sincere condolences to all those affected by the incident,” said Vestas 11th Hour Racing co-founder, Mark Towill. Read more.
