Tragedy struck this weekend when two men, aged 29 and 58, who were participants in the Ironman 70.3 Mossel Bay race, were retrieved from the water at Santos Bay, South Africa. Both athletes were rushed to a local hospital; one was pronounced dead upon arrival, while the other passed away shortly after.
Autopsies are scheduled to determine the cause of death.
These deaths add to a growing list of triathlon swim-related fatalities in 2025, including one at Ironman 70.3 Swansea, another during the Ironman South Africa weekend, and one at the Barrie Triathlon. Our thoughts are with the athletes’ families and communities during this difficult time.
Ironman has released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened to share that two race participants from today’s IRONMAN 70.3 Mossel Bay triathlon have passed away.
During the swim portion of the event, safety personnel responded to two separate incidents, approximately 15 minutes apart.
One athlete was extracted at approximately 400 meters, and the other at around 1000 meters. Each athlete was taken to the designated extraction point for urgent medical care, before being transported in individual ambulances to hospital.
Our hearts go out to their families, friends and loved ones, and together with the triathlon community we mourn the loss of two fellow athletes. We will continue to offer our support to the athletes’ families as they go through this very difficult time.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to the safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athletes with medical support.”
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