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3 March 2005, 01:53 pm

Crew Member Evacuated After Yacht Freefalls

2004/2005 Global Challenge

Hobart, Australia

Team Save the Children has successfully evacuated an injured Crew Volunteer, who sustained a hip injury following the yacht freefalling off a freak wave, on Leg Four of the Global Challenge.

Adrian ALBRIGHTON (GBR), a 31-year-old Field Technician, was in his bunk in one of the mid-cabins when the yacht was hit by a wave and became airborne. Current reports indicate that ALBRIGHTON, a legger, was injured when the subsequent impact threw him against a heavily padded bunk tube.

The transfer was safely executed in gale force conditions. A paramedic rendezvoused with the yacht at Storm Bay, near Hobart, Tasmania in position at 10:34 GMT. ALBRIGHTON was then transferred to a rib before being airlifted to hospital via helicopter. His condition is described as stable.

Skipper Paul KELLY and all the other members of the crew are reported to be safe and well and resumed racing at 12:11 GMT, having motored back to the course via the most direct route.

Leg Four sees the fleet of twelve specially designed and built 72 foot yachts racing from Sydney to Cape Town through the hostile waters of the Southern Ocean.

Rachel Anning (As Amended By ISAF)

World Sailing TV

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