Sad News From Sydney

[44'cruisingcat]

A 3 year old girl has drowned near Brooklyn, north of Sydney. She was one of 11 children living with their parents on an appropriately 40 foot yacht. (Inaccurately reported as 7 metre.)

Many of us who've visited Sydney harbour this year will have seen this family.

https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw...752fe26#.3sn29

[JPA Cate]

It is unspeakably sad, little Zenobia was the youngest of the children. We heard by phone last night. Some friends of ours had been good friends of the family. We've never actually met them.

Ann

[44'cruisingcat]

Added to the other 3 people who died, a bad day on NSW waterways.

[boatman61]

Very sad... Condolences to the family..

[MV Wanderlust]

Damn. That's a shame. Deepest condolences to the family.

[ArmyDaveNY]

My condolences to the family. I feel for them not only for their loss, but for the mixed emotions that often follow such a loss. I hope that those who are not familiar with boats don't assume the worst and blame the family for living on a boat.

[Don C L]

Absolutely heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the whole family but especially to the older children who were in their buddy system. The weight of the guilt they must feel is likely nearly unbearable.

[SteveSadler]

Yes, a time to mourn and console, not to judge.
Accidents happen randomly everywhere

[Marc1]

A sad day for the family. I is never easy to live on the water with kids. Brings back the memory of my 4th girl who fell from the jetty in very fast current of our river in flood.

I moved away from the jetty for a few seconds and she was saved by her mother (who can not swim) that jumped in and pulled her up from the only thing she could see, her hair. How she managed to pull her back to the jetty's steps against the current I will never know.

This accident is very close to home, geographically and emotionally.

[Pete7]

A number of inappropriate posts have been removed as our hearts go out to the family following this dreadful tragedy.

Pete

[sapient sue]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

It is unspeakably sad, little Zenobia was the youngest of the children. We heard by phone last night. Some friends of ours had been good friends of the family. We've never actually met them.

Ann

Ann - Just to put the record straight - Zenobia was the second youngest child. Steve and Rebecca welcomed Sharika into the world last year. The family are doing as well as can be expected. Mike and I are helping with arrangements but the future is an unknown at this stage.

[ArmyDaveNY]

Originally Posted by Pete7

A number of inappropriate posts have been removed as our hearts go out to the family following this dreadful tragedy.

Pete

Thank you! I was hoping that would happen. I would also like to thank you and all of the other moderators for helping to make this forum as good as it is. Thanks again for removing the inappropriate posts.

[unbusted67]

Originally Posted by ArmyDaveNY

Thank you! I was hoping that would happen. I would also like to thank you and all of the other moderators for helping to make this forum as good as it is. Thanks again for removing the inappropriate posts.

Thanks guys for keeping the community vibes during sad times. This is unspeakably sad. The sea does not discriminate. Life jackets everyone!!

[deepwaterport]

We have just looked after 2 grandkids overnight. I don't know how you manage looking after 11! I could not do it.

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

It is unspeakably sad, little Zenobia was the youngest of the children. We heard by phone last night. Some friends of ours had been good friends of the family. We've never actually met them.

Ann

Yes, only met them in passing, but a very happy looking family, with nice, polite, mature kids. This will no doubt be absolutely devastating to them.