Ironman South Africa expressed its condolences following the death of a participant during the race in Mossel Bay yesterday.

“Approximately 250m into the swim, water safety personnel extracted the athlete and medical personnel provided assistance before the athlete was transported to a nearby hospital,” organisers said on the Ironman South Africa Facebook page.

“We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the athlete and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. We thank the water safety team and medical personnel who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support.”

The identity of the athlete is unknown at this stage.

Mossel Bay Advertiser is enquiring to emergency medical services and other sources to find out more about the incident and will provide more information when it is available.