Port Elizabeth police have identified the two athletes who died following the 2019 Standard Bank Ironman African Championship swim event on Sunday morning.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said they were 62-year-old Leon Stanvliet from George and 57-year-old Andre Trichardt of Durban.
She said they died in hospital after experiencing difficulty in the swimming challenge.
“Post mortems will be conducted to determine exact cause of death,” Naidu said.
Police have opened inquest dockets.
In an earlier statement Ironman South Africa said that “we are working with the local authorities to gather all details and will continue to do everything possible to provide a safe environment for our athletes”.
It also sent messages of condolence to the families of the two men.
