Gardai appeal for witnesses and video of Ironman event in which two men died
Competitors Brendan Wall and Ivan Chittenden died in the event which took place off the Co Cork coast.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Irish police have appealed for witnesses and video footage of an Ironman swim race in which two competitors died.
Brendan Wall, 45, who lived in Solihull in England but was originally from Co Meath, and Ivan Chittenden, who was in his 60s and from Toronto, Canada, died while swimming off the Co Cork coast.
Several probes have been launched into the Ironman event at Claycastle Bay beach in Youghal on Sunday August 20.
A row has also broken out between Ireland’s national governing body for triathlons, Triathlon Ireland, and the event’s organisers on whether the event had been sanctioned.
Triathlon Ireland has said an investigation is ongoing, and Cork County Council, the event’s host sponsor, said it was seeking a full account of the incident from the organisers.
Gardai on Thursday issued an appeal for information as it assists the Cork County Coroner with its investigation and any subsequent inquest.
“Gardai are requesting that anyone who was present at the swimming section of this event and who may have video footage, in any format, to contact Gardai at Midleton on 021 4621550,” it said.
“Gardai can also be contacted via email at Midleton.IncidentRoom@garda.ie.”
“The public are not requested to submit any footage at this time.
“Members of the investigation team will make contact with them to arrange for the appropriate collection of any video footage.”