Man killed after yachts collide in Sydney Harbour

An investigation into how two yachts collided on Sydney Harbour is underway, after a crew member was killed during what should have been a relaxed afternoon on the water.

An investigation into how two yachts collided on Sydney Harbour is underway, after a crew member was killed during what should have been a relaxed afternoon on the water.

About 6pm on Friday, a group of nine people set sail on-board the Plato Pendragon yacht, as part of the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association’s twilight races.

Just half-an-hour into the competition, tragedy struck, when the boat collided with another yacht, which is understood to have been competing in the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club’s summer races.

The boats were rounding Beashels Buoy, near Watsons Bay, when they crashed at speed.

The force of impact was so severe one of the men on-board Plato Pendragon suffered serious injuries to his chest.

His crew members, all with a wealth of sailing experience, sprung to action, following safety protocols and commencing CPR.

A 51-year-old man from the northern beaches, who was aboard the Plato Pendragon, died. Picture: OnScene Bondi

However, their crewmate and friend, a 51-year-old from the Northern Beaches, could not be revived.

The Plato Pendragon was told to return to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay, where police and paramedics were waiting to assist.

Police and ambulance responders were called to Rushcutters Bay. Picture: TNV

The traumatised crew sat consoling each other as they travelled back to the marina, covering their mate’s bloody body with a sail cover.

Once they returned, police took over the investigation, with both skippers taken for mandatory testing, while the boats were towed to a police holding yard in Balmain.

Emergency services at the scene of the fatal collision on Friday. Picture: TNV

The cause of the collision is now under investigation by specialist police.

Members of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) said they were “devastated” by the incident and, while the man who died was not a part of the club, some of his friends on-board the Plato Pendragon were.

One of the boats involved in the collision was usually berthed at their marina. Picture: TNV

“It’s just tragic,” one woman told the Telegraph. “It should have been a fun afternoon for them out on the water. The sailing community is very small. We are just devastated.”

In a statement, the CYCA offered its condolences to the man’s family.

First responders were called to Rushcutters Bay. Picture: TNV

“As one of the boats is usually berthed at the CYCA, the police used our facilities to berth the yachts involved and to interview witnesses,” it said.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased crew member. Our thoughts are also with the crews and all those affected by this devastating event.”

As the marina became a crime scene, boats were pulling out of their berths, setting sail for a major lead-up race to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race started in Sydney Harbour just after 7pm on Friday.

The Cabbage Tree Island race had a fleet of more than 60 yachts, started off Point Piper and for many yachts is a qualifier for the famous race to Hobart which starts on Boxing Day.

Police take statements at the scene on Friday. Picture: TNV

The yachts were in a twilight race unconnected to the CYCA. Picture: TNV.