Co-pilot injured in Around the Island race
Kim McCallan, the Bermuda Power Boat Association vice-commodore, suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a crash in the annual Rubis Around the Island Power Boat Race.
The 21-foot catamaran that Ms McCallan was competing in as a co-pilot with driver Howard Ascento barrel-rolled yesterday while rounding Five Star Island, throwing both occupants out of the cockpit and into the water.
Race debutant Ms McCallan was whisked away in a crash boat to nearby Jews Bay to an awaiting ambulance and taken to hospital where she was treated for a facial cut and bruising. Mr Ascento was unharmed.
“I spoke to Ms McCallan who I wouldn’t say is all right,” Henry Talbot, the BPBA commodore, said.
“She has no broken bones but does have a cut above her eye, which required stitches. Her shoulders are bruised up while
she has a few bruised spots on her body as well.”
A visibly shaken Mr Ascento spoke briefly about his harrowing ordeal back at Ferry Reach.
“I guess I went into the corner too hot trying to catch the boat in front of me,” he said. “We both got ejected from the boat. I just hope that she [McCallan] is all right.”
Out of concern for Ms McCallan, the post-race prize ceremony scheduled to be held at Ferry Reach was postponed.
“I made the decision not to have the presentation in respect of Ms McCallan, our vice-commodore, who is still at the hospital,” Mr Talbot said.
“We’re probably now going to have the presentation on Saturday at Spanish Point Boat Club.”