Crew Members Airlifted Off Clipper Yacht

3rd January 2014

#clipperroundtheworldrace – Two crew members on Mission Performance who were transferred to hospital in Hobart last night following an accident below decks have left hospital following medical assessment.

Katherine Camilleri (50) from Sydney, Australia, suffered bruised ribs and got back on the yacht today to sail to Brisbane. Derek Furniss (44) from Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, sustained a head injury and will rest in Hobart before flying on to Brisbane to rejoin the boat for the start of Leg 5.

The casualties were transferred by helicopter to the Royal Hobart Hospital for assessment before Mission Performance returned to Hobart escorted by Qingdao due to an engine issue unrelated to the incident. Qingdao then left Hobart this morning and is headed back to the exact location of the incident whereby they will recommence racing.

Deputy race director Mark Light said:

"The whole incident was well handled by relevant skippers, crew and emergency services and we wish both casualties a speedy recovery."

Mission Performance and Henri Lloyd left Hobart this morning at 1230 local time. Two crew members from Qingdao have joined Mission Performance to assist the crew.

Published in Clipper Race

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Clipper Round The World Race

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About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

This unique challenge brings together everyone from chief executives to train drivers, nurses and firefighters, farmers, airline pilots and students, from age 18 upwards, to take on Mother Nature’s toughest and most remote conditions. There is no upper age limit, the oldest competitor to date is 76.

Now in its twelfth edition, the Clipper 2019-20 Race started from London, UK, on 02 September 2019.