Two sailors died in separate incidents during Australia’s annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race after being struck by a boom.

The fatalities occurred on the Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline, with both crews attempting life-saving measures unsuccessfully.

The race, which began Thursday, continues despite challenging weather causing several boats to withdraw.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences, calling the losses heartbreaking, the BBC has reported.

The event, a national tradition since 1945, has seen fatalities before, notably in 1998 when six sailors died during severe storms.

Written by B.C. Begley