Crew casualty in Transatlantic Race

An accident during the 12th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race has led to a casualty aboard the Nissen 56 Walross 4. The Race Committee was initially notified of the incident on January 19, 2026 while the yacht was approximately 1500 nm along the course from Lanzarote to Antigua.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Delgada assumed coordination of the response, with a nearby commercial vessel diverted and successfully recovered the injured crew member. It is not clear at what point the person had passed.

The commercial vessel was proceeding toward the Cape Verde Islands while Walross 4 was continuing toward Antigua.

“On behalf of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the crew member,” said RORC Commodore Deb Fish. “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.”

Event details – Entry list – Tracking

The 12th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race started January 11 and extends 3000 nm from the Canary Islands to Antigua.

Elapsed Records:
Multihull: 2026 – Jason Carroll’s MOD70 Argo (USA) – 04 Days 23 Hrs 51 Mins 15 Secs.
Monohull: 2026 – Baltic 111 Raven, skippered by Damien Durchon – 06 Days 22 Hrs 27 Mins 47 Secs

Source: RORC