YA issues statement on serious accident at Youth Nationals

On Tuesday, 10 January, 2012, during the final race of the 2012 Australian Youth Championships, held at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, a collision occurred between the 29er of Tess Lloyd and Lewis Duncan and a Techno293 windsurfer.

During the collision Victorian sailor Tess Lloyd received a blow to the head, rendering her unconscious, with the 29er capsizing.

Following the collision Lewis Duncan rendered immediate assistance to his skipper and the windsurfer took the fastest route to the nearest support boats, which were congregated at the finish line, notifying them of the incident.

The first support boat on the scene was a spectator boat which took Lloyd onboard and immediately returned to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

An Ambulance had been notified, following the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s incident plan, and attended the club.

Lloyd was transferred to hospital in an Ambulance, accompanied by her parents. She has undergone surgery and has been placed in an induced coma.

All those involved in rendering prompt assistance are to be commended, including fellow competitors, their parents, coaches, and others afloat and ashore.

Relevant support is being offered, and has already been provided, to those immediately involved in the incident, and the wider group of youth sailors, their support network, family and friends.

The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities and Yachting Australia is commencing its own investigation.

On behalf of the entire sailing community Yachting Australia extends its support and best wishes to Tess Lloyd, her family, and friends. 

- Craig Heydon, Yachting Australia