Organizers said Friday that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements. The race will continue as the fleet continues its passage to Constitution Dock in Hobart,

The devastating news about the two deaths comes after a host of competitors were forced to retire from the race overnight, including line honours favourite Master Lock Comanche. The record race holder, Comanche was leading the race, approximately 63 nautical miles of Green Cape when she retired after reporting mainsail damage.

Two people have died in separate incidents during the famed Sydney to Hobart yacht race overnight. Police were notified shortly before midnight on Thursday by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in Canberra that a crew member onboard a yacht had been struck by a sail boom.