Update – 4:45pm: Nick Smith and Roy Quaden have been identified as the sailors killed during Sydney to Hobart yacht race
Earlier: The Sydney to Hobart yacht race has been hit with a double tragedy after two sailors from separate boats died overnight.
A crew member on Bowline was struck by a sail boom just before midnight, with fellow sailors unable to revive them despite performing CPR.
Around two hours later, another sailor aboard Flying Fish Arctos was also hit by a sail boom in a separate incident.
Race organisers Rolex said Flying Fish Arctos was around 30 nautical miles (55km) east-southeast of Ulladulla on the New South Wales South Coast when the incident occurred.
“Fellow crew members performed CPR, but they could not revive their fellow crew,” a spokesperson said.
Bowline was around 30 nautical miles east-northeast of Batemans Bay when the incident involving their crew member occurred.
“Our thoughts are with the crews, family and friends of the deceased,” the spokesperson said.
The names of the sailors have not yet been released by authorities.
The race began in Sydney Harbour on Thursday.
Seven boats have now retired from the race.
