Tragic death in Southern 80 qualifier

Police are appealing for witnesses following the death of a skier today (Saturday, February 13) in a qualifying round of the famous Southern 80 water skiing event on the Murray River in the NSW’s Riverina region.

About 2.40pm, police and emergency services responded to reports a water skier had fallen while on the water at the annual Southern 80 water ski race at Moama.

The 51-year-old Sydney man was pulled from the water unconscious. Reports say the man fell during a qualifying session. Other reports online say the tow rope broke.

Police and Ambulance Paramedics conducted CPR, however, the man died at the scene. Our thoughts are with the family and the ski-race community.

Officers from Deniliquin Local Area Command and the Marine Area Command are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Investigators are appealing for anyone who witnessed or has footage of the incident and not yet spoken to police to contact Crime Stoppers.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

The Southern 80 has been marred by deaths in the past and some water-ski enthusiasts believe it's time to cap the speeds. Boats have more than 1000hp in some classes and run at speeds well over 200km/h.

More than 500 competitors and 50,000 spectators were expected to attend this year’s massive annual water ski meet. Due to the high speeds involved in the event, spectators were being warned by authorities to exercise extreme caution and be aware of approaching race vessels.

Roads and Maritime have been supporting event organisers to make this year's Southern 80 as safe as possible and everyone has worked hard to implement numerous recommendations from the two safety reviews conducted in recent years.

Statement from Ski Racing Australia
Statement from Ski Racing Australia regarding fatality at the Southern 80
Ski Racing Australia (SRA), the regulatory body for Ski Racing in Australia, has confirmed the death of a person in an incident at the Southern 80 along the Murray River near Echuca / Moama today (Saturday February 13).

Police have confirmed the name of the skier involved as Mr Kevin Vahtrik, 47, of Tennyson in New South Wales.

The incident occurred just after 230pm (AEST) during the qualifying session for Sunday’s Southern 80. It is understood that Mr Vahtrik, skiing behind Moonshot Racing lost contact with the boat at the 10 kilometre mark of the 20km event.

Mr Vahtrik was pulled from the water unconscious before Police and Ambulance Paramedics conducted CPR. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The CEO of Ski Racing Australia, Mr Grant Cummin, said he wished to offer his condolences to Mr Vahtrik’s family and friends, saying the incident has saddened the sport. SRA will provide all possible support to those involved.

Ski Racing Australia is not able to make any further comment at this time. Ski Racing Australia will provide all possible support to those involved.

More at the Southern 80 website.