Collision in Volvo Ocean Race Leaves One Dead

A man died on Friday after the fishing boat he was on collided with the Vestas 11th Hour Racing team during the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.

The incident occurred approximately 30 miles from the finish of Leg 4, outside of Hong Kong waters. 

The Vestas 11th Hour Racing team issued a Mayday distress call on behalf of the other vessel, alerting the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (HKMRCC) and undertook a search and rescue mission. HKMRCC informed Race Control that a commercial vessel in the area was able to rescue nine of the crew and that a tenth crew member was taken by helicopter to hospital. None of the Vestas 11th Hour Racing crew were injured in the collision. Their boat suffered damage, and the team has officially retired from the leg, but the team was able to motor to shore.

The Volvo Ocean Race issued a statement saying it is deeply saddened by the event. Volvo Ocean Race and Vestas 11th Hour Racing are now focused on providing immediate support to those affected by this incident and are fully supporting the ongoing investigation.