Two sailors tragically died in separate incidents during the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, both struck by the booms of their yachts. The race, known for its extreme conditions, is heavily influenced by rapidly changing weather, making it a critical factor for participants.

Two sailors tragically lost their lives in separate incidents during the perilous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, organizers confirmed on Friday.

Both crew members were struck by sail booms as their yachts navigated the southern route along the New South Wales coast, having departed from Sydney Harbor on the annual race, which traditionally begins on Boxing Day.

New South Wales police reported that they were alerted shortly before midnight on Thursday to a crew member being struck by a sail boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of a sail. Just a few hours later, another crew member aboard a different vessel was also struck by a sail boom. Despite the efforts of fellow crew members to revive the victims, they were unfortunately unsuccessful.

Event organizers have identified the boats involved as Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline.

"While the Water Police continue to investigate the incidents and as family members have yet to be contacted, we are unable to provide further details at this time," organizers stated.

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, organized annually by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, starts in Sydney, New South Wales, on Boxing Day and ends in Hobart, Tasmania. Weather plays a critical role in the race, which was first held in 1945, as winds and conditions can change rapidly.

In a tragic event in 1998, six sailors died, and five boats sank when a severe depression hit the fleet in the Bass Strait.