78-year-old swimmer from Bengaluru dies while swimming from Sri Lanka to India

23 April 2024 02:45 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Rameswaram, April 23 (The Hindu) - A 78-year-old man, Gopal Rao, of Bengaluru, Karnataka, died of a heart attack while he was swimming from Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka to the Dhanushkodi islet in Rameswaram, T.N., on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Mr. Rao was part of a group of 31 swimmers who held a relay swimming event from Sri Lanka to India through the Palk Strait. The swimmers had left Rameswaram by a boat, and had gone to Sri Lanka on April 22. At 12.10 a.m. on April 23, they began swimming from Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka towards Dhanushkodi.

Gopal Rao, believed to have been the third swimmer on the row, began feeling uneasy and complained of chest pains at 3.10 a.m. He was immediately helped to get into the boat that was accompanying the swimmers. The doctor attending on him however, subsequently declared that he was dead.

As a mark of respect, all the other swimmers cancelled the relay event and reached Dhanushkodi islet by boat.

The body has been sent for a post-mortem to the Rameswaram Government Hospital. The Rameswaram Town police have registered a case.

It is said that the group of swimmers had obtained all necessary clearances from both the Indian and Sri Lankan governments for the event.

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Comments - 10

RF Tuesday, 23 April 2024 04:10 PM

RIP to the courageous man!!!

Bushel Tuesday, 23 April 2024 05:29 PM

It may be the security and travel clemence they have taken except the shee medical clearance.

Karu Tuesday, 23 April 2024 07:04 PM

I like his confident level, but its almost impossible to complete the task at age of 78

Seqi Tuesday, 23 April 2024 08:16 PM

He died whilst doing what he wanted. Respect.

Walter Tuesday, 23 April 2024 10:45 PM

One is only young once. Cold WATER environment and severe exercise would have precipitated a heart attack. RIP.

DJ Tuesday, 23 April 2024 11:37 PM

What did he think he was, superman?

Shera Wednesday, 24 April 2024 07:03 AM

It's normal for elderly to think they are young and dandy. But someone should have stopped him from signing up for this.

Human Being Wednesday, 24 April 2024 12:54 PM

he died while doing what he loved the most, Rest in peace and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Jesus Wednesday, 24 April 2024 03:55 PM

Need at the moment for him... I hope he is not a hindu...might polute our sea...

Navalanka Wednesday, 24 April 2024 07:41 PM

According to his Karma, he is destined to die at sea and may his soul of this brave old man rest in eternal peace. Heartfelt condolences from Sri Lankans go to the bereaved family

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78-year-old swimmer from Bengaluru dies while swimming from Sri Lanka to India

Comments - 10

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