A 78 year old swimmer has passed away in the middle of a relay race while swimming from Sri Lanka to India. He was treated immediately once difficulties were noticed, however, they were unable to save his life.
The 78 year old swimmer, Gopal Rao, native to Bengaluru, India, has passed away from a heart attack while at a swimming expedition across the Palk Strait.
He was third in the row among the 31 swimmer who contested in the competitive relay race wherein swimmers race from Talaimannar, Sri Lanka to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India. Rao and other contestants had departed to Sri Lanka via sea route from Rameswaram this Monday.
He began swimming towards India at 12:10 hrs on Tuesday midnight and was faced with some difficulties at around 3:10 hrs in the morning. He was promptly assisted onboard a vessel to receive treatment. However, despite the timely medical attention, his life could not be saved.
With Rao's death, the other contestants also canceled the race.
Police stated that this relay race was held with all essential permits acquired from authorities of both India and Sri Lanka.
Sign In
