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1 dead, 5 rescued from CA racing sailboat accident

2K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  zz4gta 
#1 ·
LOS ANGELES (AP) - A sailor died and five others were rescued after abandoning a racing boat that lost its steering capability and drifted to an island off Southern California, where it was broken apart by crashing waves, the Coast Guard said Saturday.

The crew of Uncontrollable Urge issued a mayday call Friday night after the 32-foot sailboat's rudder failed and the craft began drifting toward the rocky shore of San Clemente Island, Petty Officer Connie Gawrelli said. The crew initially declined assistance from the Coast Guard and other boaters and requested a tow boat, Gawrelli said.

However, rough seas kept that boat from getting to them.

One of the organizers of the two-day Islands Race said the crew encountered more bad luck when attempts to deploy a life raft and anchor the boat failed.

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#5 ·
I gather that emergency rudders are not required for this race. They are required for the Lightship race in Swiftsure which goes just outside of the entrance to Juan de Fuca.
 
#6 ·
Man Killed in Sailboat Racing Accident ID'd

SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, Calif. - Authorities have identified a man who died after abandoning ship during a yacht race from Orange County to San Diego.

Craig Williams, 36, of San Diego was killed in the incident, but five others were rescued after their ship issued a mayday call near San Clemente Island Friday night.

The U.S. Coast Guard rushed to help, but their services were declined at first, even though the sailors struggled and failed to anchor their 30-foot long vessel.

When the sailboat entered the surf line and the waves broke it apart, the crew abandoned ship and sought help.

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