‘To say I feel responsible is an understatement’: Skipper of Hong Kong’s Scallywag David Witt talks about death of John Fisher
In his first public appearance since the tragedy, the Australian praises his ‘best mate’ who was lost at sea, as the crew prepare for leg eight of the Volvo Ocean Race
Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag skipper David Witt said he felt responsible for the incident that led to the death of crew member John Fisher, adding that he would have to live with the pain for the rest of his life.
In his first public appearance since 47-year-old Briton Fisher was lost overboard on March 26 in leg seven of the Volvo Ocean Race, Witt spoke at a captain’s press conference in Itajai, Brazil, ahead of the start of Sunday’s eighth leg to Newport, Rhode Island.
An emotional Witt, his voice breaking as he talked about his “best mate”, praised Fisher who he said exemplified the Scallywag ethos putting the team first.
“They say in Australia men don’t cry but I broke that rule and if [John] was standing there beside me he would tell me to harden up. Don’t be soft and get on with it. That’s what we’ll do on Sunday,” said Australian Witt.
“I’ve personally changed from the tragedy as everyone has seen. As the skipper you are responsible for everybody, so I’ve lost a crew member and I’ve lost my best mate. To say I feel responsible is an understatement, and that’s something I shall live with the rest of my life.”