Shockwave V survivor speaks out
One of the survivors of the Shockwave V incident describes the harrowing eventAfter the tragic death of skipper Andrew Short and navigator Sally Gordon after their maxi-yacht Shockwave V ran aground at Flinders Islet at Port Kembla (NSW), this week, news has emerged that suggests Andrew Short may not have been wearing a life jacket.
The 92-mile Flinders Island Race event was a warm-up for the Sydney Hobart race and 16 of Shockwave V's crew were rescued alive after it started taking on water after hitting rocks.
One of the survivors, Matt Pearce, spoke to the ABC about the incident: "…we copped a set of about four waves in a row that were solid green water, sort of two metres over the top of the boat," Pearce said.
"When we turned around, he [Andrew Short] was gone. That was the last we saw of Andrew. And then, when we turned back for Sal, she was also gone.
"Andrew, unfortunately, didn't have a lifejacket on that night. I think a lot of skippers tend not to a lot of the time," stated Pearce.
What caused the multi million dollar Shockwave V to run aground is not yet known.
New South Wales Marine Police are investigating the incident and with Marine Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings saying that "no stone will be left unturned".
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