Former Commonwealth Kiwi boxer dead after boat capsizes in US

A New Zealand man has died during a sailing expedition off the East Coast of the United States, with his family stating that 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 the yacht "Qori Inti".

US Coast Guard Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator Commander Jason Erickson said a mariner reported finding an overturned 15-meter catamaran with no one aboard, about 104 kilometers off the coast of Brunswick, Georgia. Wickenden’s brother, Aaron Wickenden, posted a message of mourning on social media, announcing with great sadness that David Wickenden, known to all as Dave, had died during a sailing expedition with his friend Charlie.

“The circumstances of this tragedy will never be known and unfortunately Dave and Charlie have taken the secrets of this adventure with them,” Aaron Wickenden wrote. He added that Dave is survived by his adored daughter, Cato, as well as his mother, father, brothers, and a large extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces. “Dave also leaves behind a huge group of friends who all have stories of Dave whether on the rugby field, in the boxing gym or on one of his many sailing adventures.”

Aaron Wickenden continued, “Dave lived a life 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 trademark smile will live on in us forever. We will meet again one day, perhaps when the seas are calmer and we have more stories to share.” Dave's brother in Auckland, Todd Wickenden, told the New Zealand Herald that they believe the yacht capsized on November 21, but was not discovered until days later.

Todd Wickenden stated, "They were sailing down to Florida and had just left Charleston when something happened and the boat flipped. We don’t know how it happened, we don’t know what happened, it’s just awful.” Coast Guard Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator Commander Jason Erickson said rescue teams searched for 77.45 hours in the air and on the sea, covering more than 23,000 square kilometers, but were unable to find Wickenden or Andrade. “The decision to suspend a search is always a difficult one, and not one that is taken lightly.”

Commander Erickson concluded, “When we send our crews out, we all have the greatest hope of bringing people home safely, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing mariners during this incredibly difficult time.”