Missing triathlete is feared to have drowned in race
Organisers find his bike unused on edge of lake
A TRIATHLETE who failed to collect his bike from a lakeside after the swimming leg of a race is feared to have drowned.
Paul Gallihawk was last seen jumping into the water for the beginning of his first triathlon.
Race organisers raised the alarm when his bicycle remained in place as the other competitors rode theirs away following the 750m open-water swim.
Search and rescue teams yesterday continued to look for the missing 34-year-old at the site of the Ocean Lake Triathlon at Leybourne Lakes, Kent.
Mr Gallihawk was competing for charity. He had written in an online appeal: ‘I’m raising money for King’s College Hospital who looked after my dad through a tough 2014. Any donations much appreciated. Feel free to come and watch Sat Aug 29th starting at 9am.’
The triathlete, of Maidstone, Kent, had hoped to raise £300. Donations on his JustGiving webpage had last night reached more than £1,000.
After making a £100 donation, Geoff Newman wrote: ‘ Missing you already. Condolences to family and friends, my thoughts are with you. I hope the money raised will help others spend longer with their loved ones.’
Another donor posted on the site: ‘We in the triathlon community are keeping our fingers crossed for one of our own.’ A fellow triathlete added: ‘I was competing yesterday and am totally shocked. Seems right to donate. Prayers to your family.’
The triathlon consisted of a 750m swim in open water, followed by a 14-mile bike ride and a five-mile run.
But Saturday’s race was called to a halt after Mr Gallihawk – who works for a recruitment firm in Sevenoaks – disappeared.
Emergency services scoured the lake until 10pm on Saturday and the search resumed at about 6am yesterday, with divers from Norfolk and a police helicopter called to the scene.
Race organisers posted on Facebook: ‘We are shocked by what happened yesterday at the Ocean Lake Triathlon and are working closely with the emergency services to do everything that we can to assist them in their search. Our thoughts are with [Mr Gallihawk’s] family and friends at this time.’
On the event’s website, organisers say no competitor is allowed to swim in the lake until they have undertaken an open-water swim assessment with Leybourne Lakes water sports centre.
They add that members must also be aware of all the specific dangers related to swimming in open water. Competitors are asked to wear a brightly coloured swimming cap at all times and novices must make themselves known to race officials at registration.
If anyone requires assistance in the water, they are asked to turn on to their backs and raise an arm to summon the safety boat.
At least three kayaks and a rigid inflatable boat were supervising the race.
After news of Mr Gallihawk’s dis- appearance, Twitter user Anne Renshaw wrote: ‘I really hope the triathlete that disappeared in the water at Leybourne Lakes triathlon is found safe and well. Hoping for good news tomorrow.’
Another user said: ‘Sad news from Leybourne Lakes @oceanlaketri Desperately hoping to somehow wake to positive news. Thoughts with the family and all affected.’