Headlines
Sailing-German yacht's crew member dies after accident in transatlantic race
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 21, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Summary
A crew member on the German yacht Walross 4 died after an accident during the transatlantic race from Spain to Antigua. The Royal Ocean Racing Club expressed condolences.
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Crew Member in Transatlantic Yacht Race
Overview of the Transatlantic Race Incident
By Ossian Shine
Details of the Accident
Jan 20 (Reuters) - A crew member on a German yacht competing in the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Transatlantic Race died following an accident during the crossing from Spain to Antigua, race organisers said on Tuesday.
Response and Condolences
German yacht Walross 4 was near the halfway point of the 3,000-nautical-mile race when an unidentified crew member was knocked unconscious on Monday, the club said previously.
Race Background and Records
The boat was being sailed by German skipper Matthias Kahnt and a novice crew of students.
The injured crew member was transferred to a nearby commercial vessel as part of a coordinated rescue but later died, organisers said in a statement on behalf of ASV-Berlin, the sailing club that owns the yacht.
The statement said the sailboat's remaining crew were receiving professional care en route to their destination port, which was not identified.
RORC Commodore Deb Fish expressed condolences to the crew member’s family and friends.
“On behalf of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the crew member,” Fish said in the statement.
“Our thoughts are also with the yacht’s crew at this profoundly difficult time. We would like to thank all involved in the emergency response for their professionalism.”
The race began at the Spanish island of Lanzarote on January 11 and finishes in Antigua in the Caribbean.
The American trimaran MOD70 Argo set a course record by finishing the race in just under five days on Friday.
(Reporting by Ossian Shine; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Key Takeaways
- •A crew member on the German yacht Walross 4 died during the race.
- •The incident occurred halfway through the 3,000-mile race.
- •The injured crew member was transferred to a commercial vessel.
- •The Royal Ocean Racing Club expressed condolences.
- •The race began in Lanzarote and ends in Antigua.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sailing-German yacht's crew member dies after accident in transatlantic race
1What is a transatlantic race?
A transatlantic race is a sailing competition that involves crossing the Atlantic Ocean, typically from Europe to the Caribbean or North America.
2What is a yacht?
A yacht is a medium-sized boat or ship that is often used for recreational purposes, including sailing and racing.
3What is a crew member?
A crew member is an individual who works on a ship or yacht, responsible for various tasks related to the operation and maintenance of the vessel.
