MISSION PERFORMANCE INCIDENT UPDATE

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. 

Mission Performance skipper Matt Mitchell said: “These types of incidents in stable conditions demonstrate you can never be too complacent. A simple lost footing below decks can be serious. It also shows how important all the safety training is - last night we not only dealt with the reporting and management of an incident, but also had medical treatment, helicopter and boat transfers and towing; all executed flawlessly.”

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.