Tragedy in South Australia

The 2023 Lincoln Week Regatta on February 20-23, run in conjunction with the Australian Yachting Championships, experienced loss of life on the first day of racing in Port Lincoln, South Australia.

In the incident, a sailor in his 60s was injured and fell from the yacht into the water, triggering a rapid response from the crew and race management to recover the sailor as quickly as possible.

The sailor was attended to by crew from the yacht, who entered the water to support the sailor. A may-day radio call from the yacht was received by race management and a nearby sailing club powerboat, manned by trained volunteers, was dispatched to recover the sailors in the water.

Once aboard the rescue craft, the victim was given CPR and treated with a defibrillator as the rescue boat returned to shore but he could not be revived.

“The Port Lincoln Yacht Club is deeply saddened by this news and is offering every possible support to our sailors, the crew of the yacht involved, our competitors, our volunteers and our staff,” said Regatta Chairman Steve Kemp. “We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the sailor at this difficult time.”

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

UPDATE: The Port Lincoln Yacht Club confirmed Adelaide man Andrew McLeod (below), who was in his 60s, was competing on the first day of the Lincoln Week Regatta when he died.