Rhode Island-based team competing in The Ocean Race hit by ‘marine mammal’

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island-based team competing in The Ocean Race had to stop after they hit what they believe was a marine mammal.

The incident happened in the mid-North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland.

Ocean Race officials say the impact was sudden and that crew members onboard were thrown from the boat. Two people were injured.

“The crew are all very shaken by the incident and will follow best practices,” say Ocean Race officials.

There was no damage to the boat.

The team will continue to race toward their destination — Aarhus, Denmark.