Human error and equipment problems will be investigated as possible factors in a yachting accident that killed two of Australia's most experienced sailors off Wollongong.
A crew member has reportedly claimed that a GPS device was not working on the 80ft racing yacht ShockWave V, which struck rocks off Flinders Islet, near Port Kembla, about 3am on Saturday and broke up.
Skipper Andrew Short and navigator Sally Gordon were killed and 16 others rescued.
SLIDESHOW: Two killed in yacht race crash
How the dramatic rescue unfolded
Andrew Short delivered letter to teen sailor Jessica Watson Andrew Short threw torch to son Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings yesterday acknowledged the crew's experience and the fact Mr Short and Ms Gordon had competed many times in the Sydney to Hobart race and in other races around the world.
The fact that conditions on the morning were not beyond their experience will also be investigated.
"My police tell me they (conditions) were moderate and certainly at this point it doesn't appear to be beyond the capabilities of that crew," he said.
However conditions since the accident have made it impossible for salvage work to begin.
"This is a complex salvage operation that could take some time and the safety of the officers involved is crucial," Mr Hutchings said.
Lifeguards spent yesterday collecting debris from the boat which washed up on several beaches north of Wollongong.
Wollongong City Council beach services co-ordinator Jason Foye said most of the wreckage washed up on beaches at Fairy Meadow, Towradgi, North Wollongong and City Beach.
Piles of debris were also collected at Corrimal, Bulli and Thirroul beaches.
Large pieces of debris or any personal effects are being delivered to police while smaller fragments of the boat will be taken to Whytes Gully tip.
"Lifeguards have been monitoring all bathing areas to keep swimmers safe," Mr Foye said.
"There have been regular patrols to make sure no large sections are coming into (contact with swimmers)."
Wollongong police have been inundated with calls from people who have found debris and Mr Hutchings thanked the Illawarra community for their help.
"Police are interested in larger sections of debris including safety equipment, life jackets, fibreglass and material belonging to the boat's hull," he said.
Anyone who finds a large or significant piece of debris should call Port Kembla water police on 4274 0129.
Meantime, Mr Short's sons Nick, 19, and Mitch, 14, who were on board Shockwave at the time of the accident, spoke yesterday of their father's bravery in his final moments.
"Dad was yelling at us to hold on, to be careful and I was worried about Mitch and the others, not Dad, because he was always invincible," Nick said.
Nick was washed overboard with his father who threw him a torch, saving his life.
"I waved it 10 or 15 times," he said.
"When I saw someone flash back I knew someone would know I was alive and would come and get me. It was the best feeling."
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