NATIONAL NEWS - The organisers of the Fish River Canoe Marathon have confirmed the deaths of two participants on the first stage of the race last Friday.
53-year-old Pretoria paddler Axel Marggraf died after falling out of his K3 canoe in Soutpansdrift rapid, while 31-year-old Amanzimtoti resident Dean Chiazzari died after suffering a suspected heart attack after withdrawing from the race.
Fish River Canoe Marathon chairman, Roy Copeman, sent his condolences to the families and friends of the two paddlers and said that the entire paddling community has been shaken by the double tragedy.
"No words can describe the pain we are all feeling at this time," said Copeman.
He praised the race rescue and safety personnel who responded quickly to both instances.
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