A crew member has died following an accident on board the Nissen 56 yacht Walross 4, which is competing in a transatlantic yacht race.
The yacht, owned by the Academic Sailing Club of Berlin (ASV Berlin), was approximately 1500 nautical miles into the Atlantic Ocean, en route from Lanzarote to Antigua, when a crew member had been rendered unconscious following an unspecified onboard accident.
The yacht was taking part in the 12th edition of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Transatlantic Race.
RORC racing officials were informed of the incident and emergency authorities were contacted.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Delgada, the primary maritime rescue authority for the Azores region, coordinated the response, with a nearby freighter vessel diverted to successfully recover the injured crew member from the racing yacht.
, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the crew member.
Deb Fish
At the time RORC issued a statement saying that the commercial vessel was proceeding toward the Cape Verde Islands.
Plans had been put in place for a helicopter transfer to take the crew member to the Azores for further medical treatment when conditions and range permitted.
In a further statement, RORC said the crew member had passed away and the remaining crew aboard Walross 4 are receiving professional care en route to their destination port.
The casualty’s next of kin has been informed.
World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations
RORC Commodore Deb Fish expressed her sorrow: “On behalf of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the crew member.
“Our thoughts are also with the yacht’s crew at this profoundly difficult time.
“We would like to thank all involved in the emergency response for their professionalism.”
Walross 4 is one of 21 yachts competing in the Transatlantic Race.
All yachts are required to comply with World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations 2025, Category 1, with RORC prescriptions, and the Racing Rules of Sailing.
The Walross 4 is the flagship of the ASV and has taken part in many major yacht races and regattas including the Sydney to Hobart race.
