Former Commonwealth Kiwi boxer dead after boat capsizes in US

A New Zealand man has tragically died during a sailing expedition off the east coast of the United States, with his family stating the exact circumstances of the incident will never be known. The 54-year-old former Commonwealth Games boxer, David Wickenden, set sail from Connecticut in November with his 60-year-old friend, Charles Andrade, aboard a yacht named "Qori Inti."

US Coast Guard Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator Commander Jason Erickson stated that a mariner reported finding an overturned 15-meter catamaran with no one on board approximately 104 kilometers off the coast of Brunswick, Georgia. Wickenden’s brother, Aaron Wickenden, posted a tribute on social media, saying it was with heavy hearts and unbelievable sadness that they announced the passing of David Wickenden (known to many as Dave) who tragically died while on a sailing expedition with his friend Charlie.

Aaron Wickenden stated in his tribute, “The circumstances surrounding this tragedy will never be known, and sadly, Dave and Charlie have taken this mystery with them.” He also mentioned that Wickenden is survived by his beloved daughter, Kaito, as well as his mother, father, brothers, and a large family of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Furthermore, Dave had many friends who all have stories about Dave, whether from the rugby field, the boxing ring, or from his many sailing expeditions.

Aaron Wickenden continued, “Dave lived a life full of boundless energy, love, leadership, and determination. Dave was always someone you could rely on. Rest in peace, David. You may have left us too soon, but your spirit, your heart, and that iconic smile will be with us forever. We will see you again, maybe the seas will be calmer then, and we will have more stories to share.” Dave's brother, Todd Wickenden, in Auckland, told the New Zealand Herald that they believe the boat capsized on November 21, but it was not discovered until several days later. “They were sailing down to Florida, and they had just left Charleston when it happened, the boat flipped,” he told the media, “We don’t know how it happened, it’s just awful.”

Coast Guard Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator Commander Jason Erickson stated that rescuers conducted 77.45 hours of searching by air and sea, covering over 23,000 square kilometers, but were unable to locate Wickenden and Andrade. “The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and never made lightly,” Erickson said. “When we send our crews out, we all hold on to the hope of bringing people home safely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing mariners during this incredibly difficult time.”