Fatal collision in Sydney, experienced sailor dies. What happened

A violent collision between two 34-footers in Sydney Bay, Australia, claimed the life of 51-year-old experienced sailor (and successful businessman) Niko Lassing. Police are appealing to local residents to track down any images of the accident.

The dynamics (to be clarified) of the accident.

A violent collision between two sailboats claimed the life of a 50-year-old man in Sydney Bay, Australia. The Stewart 34 Pendragon was participating in the Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association’s social regatta while the other boat, the S&S 34 Delinquent was racing in the Sydney Amateurs Sailing Association event. Niko Lassing, the deceased sailor, was part of the crew of the “Pendragon,” which also had two other people on board in addition to the skipper. The dynamics of the collision, which occurred at 6:30 p.m. local time off Bradley’s Head, when the Stewart 34 Pendragon, was violently struck by the Delinquent, with nine sailors on board, remain unclear.

Injuries too severe, death occurred within minutes

Upon impact, Niko Lassing sustained a major chest injury and immediately his condition appeared very serious. The skipper of the “Pendragon” immediately raised the alarm that was intercepted by the Coast Guard and NSW Police. And the other crew members administered CPR to the man. But when rescuers boarded, they could only note the sailor’s death. In the coming days, the man’s body will be examined by medical examiners to determine exactly the extent of his injuries. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials have placed both yachts involved in the collision under impoundment and proceeded to drug and alcohol tests against the skippers. The same residents of Watsons Bay and Vaucluse who live along the harbor in Sydney’s eastern suburbs have been asked to check their CCTV cameras facing the water to see if they have stills of the accident.

The condolences of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

The “Pendragon” is usually moored at the docks of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which learned of the accident and issued the following official statement, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased crew member. Our thoughts also go out to the crews and all those affected by this devastating event.”