A search was under way on Sunday after a first-time triathlete failed to pick up his bike after the swimming stage of an event in Kent.
Divers were scouring Leybourne Lake in Larkfield after the man, named locally as Paul Gallihawk, 34, went missing while competing in the Ocean Lake sprint triathlon on Saturday morning.
Organisers raised the alarm at 8.44am when they noticed one bike was left over after the other competitors completed the 750m swimming stage and set off for the 14-mile road race by bicycle around the surrounding area.
Police, the fire service and about 30 volunteers from Kent Search and Rescue joined the search for Gallihawk until it was suspended overnight. Specialist divers travelled down from Norfolk to join the search when it resumed early on Sunday.
The race was the fifth leg of a series run by the Ocean Lake Triathlon Club, which is based at Leybourne Lakes and in Canterbury. Competitors were not required to have completed an open water swim assessment, but any first-timers were asked to inform a race official.
Race instructions stipulate that those taking part should wear brightly coloured swim caps and turn on their backs and raise their arms if they need help.
On his JustGiving page, Gallihawk, from Maidstone, explained he was competing to raise money for King’s College Hospital in London, which looked after his father last year. As his £300 target more than doubled to more than £650, it emerged that it was his first triathlon.
Messages of condolence were posted alongside donations on the JustGiving site. Callum Slade wrote: “Can’t quite believe what happened you will be missed by many my thoughts are with you Paul and your family.”
Another message read: “Don’t know what to say apart from thoughts with all your family and friends. Amazing cause and felt I needed to donate in the circumstances. Praying for you.”
A message posted on the organisers’ Facebook page on Sunday said: “We are shocked by what happened yesterday at the Ocean Lake Triathlon and are working closely with the emergency services to do everything that we can to assist them in their search. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
