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 that the specific circumstances of the incident will never be known. The deceased is former Commonwealth Games boxer David Wikenden, aged 54. He departed from Connecticut in November aboard his vessel, the "Qori Inti," alongside his 60-year-old friend, Charles Andrade.

Commander Jason Erickson, search and rescue mission coordinator for the U.S. Coast Guard Charleston sector, stated that a mariner reported finding an overturned 15-meter catamaran, which was discovered approximately 104 kilometers off the coast of Brunswick, Georgia, with no one on board. The search and rescue team conducted 77.45 hours of aerial and maritime searches, covering an area of over 23,000 square kilometers, but were unable to locate Wikenden or Andrade.

Wikenden's brother, Aaron Wikenden, posted a tribute on social media, stating that it was with a heavy heart and disbelief that they announced the passing of David Wikenden, known to all as Dave, who had embarked on a sailing expedition with his friend Charlie. "The specifics of this tragic event will never be known, and unfortunately, Dave and Charlie took that with them on this adventure, forever."

It is understood that Wikenden is survived by his beloved daughter, Cato, as well as his mother, father, brothers, and an extensive family, including uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces. "Dave also had a huge circle of friends, all of whom have stories about Dave, whether it was on the rugby field, in the boxing ring, or on one of his many sailing adventures."

Wikenden's brother, Todd Wikenden, in Auckland, told The New Zealand Herald that they believe the boat capsized on November 21, but was not discovered until several days later. "They were sailing down to Florida, and just off Charleston, something happened and the boat flipped," he told the news outlet. "We don't know what happened, and it's just awful." Commander Erickson stated, "The decision to suspend a search is always difficult and is never made lightly." "When we send our crews out, we do so with great hope of bringing people home safely, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the missing sailors during this incredibly difficult time."