ANKARA

Two sailors died during a Sydney to Hobart Boxing Day yacht race, New South Wales Police announced Thursday.

The victims were struck by sail booms overnight in two separate incidents about two hours apart.

Crews from the boats performed CPR but could not revive the sailors, according to race organizers.

Several boats have retired from the race due to sail damage.

The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an annual Boxing Day racing event hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, starting in Sydney, New South Wales, and finishing in Hobart, Tasmania.