Tragedy strikes solo sailor Jessica Watson
The long-term partner of Queensland solo sailing star Jessica Watson, Cameron Dale, has died, aged 29, following a catastrophic stroke.
Watson, who became the youngest person to sail solo around the world more than 10 years ago, posted on Instagram on Wednesday evening, confirming the tragic loss of her partner.
Describing him as her ‘long-term partner in every aspect of life and planned future.’
She added that even with all of her achievements – which include Young Australian of the Year, Youth Representative for the United Nations World Food Program and being a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia – the role she was most proud of was being ‘Cam's “Jess,”’
Watson went on to say: ‘Cam and I have been inseparable since 2011, our shared world centred on messing about on boats/
‘Describing what Cam means to me is impossible – everyone who knows us understands how much we simply loved each other.’
"Even while experiencing indescribable grief, I feel so grateful for the family, friends, and communities Cam has given me and the person I've become with him," she added.
"I take enormous strength from having been so devotedly loved. The years of treasured memories offer enormous comfort."
Cameron Dale died on Monday, nearly six weeks after a catastrophic stroke, despite the best efforts of staff at the Gold Coast University Hospital, according to Watson.
Watson’s story about how she became the youngest person to sail solo around the world at just 16, is about to become a Netflix feature film based on her best-selling memoir, True Spirit.
Image: Instagram