The Volvo Ocean Race completed Leg 4 of the round the world event in Hong Kong after a tricky leg from Australia. Sailing in second place on the last night, Vestas 11th Hour Racing was only 30 miles from the finish line and sailing through a large number of fishing boats, many of which were unlit, when they struck a small fishing boat. The fishing boat sank and one of its crew was lost in the accident. Vestas had to withdraw from the leg and limped into port with a huge gash in its port side.
Vestas 11th Hour Racing co-founders, Mark Towill and Charlie Enright, have released a statement about the collision with a non-racing vessel that occurred just outside Hong Kong in the early hours of Saturday 20 January.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and all those affected by this tragic situation,” said Mark Towill.
The collision occurred near the end of the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, about 30 miles from the finish line.
Immediately after securing the vessel and ensuring the safety of the crew, Vestas 11th Hour Racing issued a Mayday distress call on behalf of the other vessel, and then engaged in a search and rescue procedure in coordination with the Hong Kong Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (HKMRCC). Read more.
Photo courtesy of the South China Morning Post: See more here.
