It is with immense sadness that Artemis Racing confirms the tragic death of crew member Andrew “Bart” Simpson today in San Francisco. Simpson, a British double Olympic medalist, was one of the 11-man crew aboard Artemis Racing’s AC72 catamaran which capsized during training on San Francisco Bay ahead of this summer’s America’s Cup. All other crewmembers are accounted for.
Despite attempts to revive Simpson, both afloat and subsequently ashore, his life was lost.
“The entire Artemis Racing team is devastated by what happened,” said CEO Paul Cayard. “Our heartfelt condolences are with Andrew’s wife and family.”
Artemis Racing CEO Paul Cayard addressed the media this afternoon at the team base in Alameda and said the following regarding the capsize of the team’s first AC72 and loss of crewman Andrew Simpson:
“Our prayers are with Andrew Simpson’s family, his wife and kids, and also the rest of my teammates. It’s a shocking experience to go through, and we have a lot to deal with in the next few days in terms of assuring everybody’s well being.
“The boat’s under control, but that’s not the first of our concerns. We’re focused on the people.
“That’s what we’re working with and on and we’ll give you more information when we’re able to.”
UPDATE: 1645 hours
Statement from the America’s Cup:
The thoughts of everyone involved with the America’s Cup are with the family of Andrew Simpson and the members of Artemis Racing.
Andrew was an immensely popular and respected member of the sailing community, and his two Olympic medals were testament to his talent.
His easy-going personality made him loved by many; always friendly, always smiling and always supportive of others.
UPDATE: 1610 hours
Artemis Racing CEO Paul Cayard will host a press conference at 5:00 pm PT at the Artemis Racing base in Alameda to address today’s accident.
UPDATE: 1510 hours
It is with immense sadness that Artemis Racing confirms the tragic death of crewmember Andrew “Bart” Simpson today in San Francisco.
UPDATE: 1420 hours
Members of the America’s Cup community are on San Francisco Bay assisting Artemis Racing after the capsize of its first AC72 catamaran. The incident occurred between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm PT.
According to news reports, emergency crews were on site and performing CPR to a crewmember who had been trapped under the platform for an estimated 10 minutes.
All other crewmembers had been accounted for.
ORIGINAL POST: 1330 hours
Artemis Racing, the Swedish challenger, has capsized its AC72 during training on San Francisco Bay on Thursday afternoon.
From : Artemis Racing/America's Cup
