Two athletes died during the swim portion of this weekend's IRONMAN event in County Cork, Ireland. According to multiple reports, Ivan Chittendan and Brendan Wall were rescued from the water in separate incidents but were pronounced dead at the scene.

Causes of their respective deaths are unknown at this time. However, adverse conditions faced all athletes at the event this weekend. Poor weather and water conditions on Saturday led to a postponement of the half distance event, which was determined to be run concurrently with the full distance race on Sunday. Sunday's water conditions also proved challenging, with IRONMAN officials determining in conjunction with local water safety teams to shorten the swim in the interest of athlete safety.

A spokesman for IRONMAN said the following: "IRONMAN Ireland officials and the specific on-swim safety team carried out all standard safety protocol checks that are completed at every race and determined water conditions were safe for the swim to take place."

According to Triathlon Ireland officials, though, conditions even in the shortened swim were challenging enough for them to declare that they could not sanction the event.

In a statement, Triathlon Ireland said, "For the Ironman Cork event, in line with normal practice, Triathlon Ireland technical officials attended before the start of the race to review the conditions and carry out a water safety assessment. Due to adverse conditions on the day, Triathlon Ireland technical officials confirmed to the race organisers that it was not possible to sanction the race. As there is an investigation ongoing, at this stage it would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment only to state that Triathlon Ireland will provide any assistance that the authorities require."

IRONMAN added: "Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of the two athletes who passed. We are providing ongoing assistance to their families and we will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time."

This is the second high-profile fatal incident to take place at European IRONMAN events this season, following the horrific collision of a media motorcycle with an age group athlete at IRONMAN Hamburg.

Irish police continue to investigate Sunday's incident.

Image: Lisa Shine