A man has been hospitalised after suffering a suspected heart attack at the end of the first leg of the George Bass Surfboat Marathon at Moruya on Sunday.
Marathon organiser Andrew Edmunds said a 66-year-old competitor from the Pambula masters men’s surfboat team collapsed as the boat came to shore just after midday on December 31.
Surf lifesavers and competitors came to the man’s aid, he said.
“He was treated by lifesavers from Moruya surf club as well as competitors from Grange and Mollymook surf club for a suspected cardiac arrest,” Mr Edmunds said.
He said the man was taken to Moruya Hospital in a serious condition. He is believed to have been flown to Canberra Hospital for further treatment.
The man was the sweep of the Pambula surf boat and is expected to withdraw from further competition. The Pambula team is yet to advise if it will continue with the remainder of the marathon.
Mr Edmunds praised the efforts of those who responded to the emergency.
“The lifesavers and first aid team did a great job responding,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the member and everyone involved. Hopefully he has a speedy recovery.”
