 |
Tasmanian Seafarers' Memorial
|
 |
Brendan G. Pearce (1983)
The plaque reads ... 
Brendan G. Pearce
09.03.1952 - 08.01.1983
Missing presumed drowned during
the Prince Philip Cup Championships
on International Dragon Class
yacht "Selam" on the River Derwent.
Dearly loved and devoted husband
to Suzanne and father to Andrew
Eternal love
The Prince Philip Cup is an Australian National annual sailing series for International Dragon Class yachts held at different venues around Australia, the River Derwent being the chosen venue for 1983.
Soon after the start of the race for the yachts, the weather turned bringing strong north westerly winds with gale force gusts quickly building rough seas causing Dragon Class Selam to take water over the bow flooding the cockpit. The sails were dropped to assist in stabilising the yacht in the conditions and, despite the crew efforts, enough water was taken aboard to cause the yacht to sink bow first. The crew ended up in the water with two being quickly rescued by vessels nearby. It appears from reason(s) unknown, Brendan Pearce was in difficulty despite being known as a strong swimmer. The Coroner subsequently reported "I am satisfied that a most diligent search by the (vesssel) Mary Kingston, the police boat Vigilant and a number of other volunteer craft followed but without success."