Yusuke Amamoto from Fukuoka Prefecture competing in the Ishigaki Triathlon, Sunday, suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest while he was swimming on the triathlon course. He was immediately taken to the Yaeyama Hospital, but died around noon.

The annual triathlon was held for the 26^th time this year, and thi is the first time a participant has died during the race.

According to Ishigaki Triathlon Asociation, Amamoto started the race at 8:21 a.m., and another participant found him floating just 30 meters from the finishing line off the beach about 9:10 a.m. A rescue jet ski recovered Amano and took him to the shore where he had emergency treatment by doctors who were standing by on the beach, and then taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Amamoto took part in the Ishigaki Triathlon for the 3rd time this year. He was considered a veteran athlete because of his previous record.

There were 156 divers from Yaeyama Diving Association, Ishigaki Coast Guard and Ishigaki Fire Department along the swimming course to keep an eye on participants.

After the incident Ishigaki Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama announced his prayers to the deceased athlete saying “we are so sorry and may his soul rest in peace.”

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