A MAN HAS died while attempting to swim the English Channel as part of a triathlon.

Douglas Waymark, who was in his 40s, got into difficulty about half way across, some 12 miles from Dover, reports the BBC.

Waymark was taking part in the Enduroman Arch to Arc triathlon when he got into difficulty last night.

The triathlon challenge consists of an 87 mile run, which Waymark had already completed, as well as a 21 mile swim across the English Channel followed by an 181 mile cycle.

It is understood the coastguard received a radio call from a support vessel after 9pm, and a search and rescue helicopter arrived within 10 minutes.

Waymark was airlifted to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford in the UK, but he later died.

Organisers of Enduroman have paid tribute to the athlete.

Tributes

A short tribute on their website reads:

Our friend Douglas Waymark sadly passed away swimming to France during stage two of his Solo Arch to Arc. He touched our hearts with his strength, organisation and quiet humour. He had gained massive respect amongst all who knew him. The Enduroman community will miss him and will never forget him. #26 will rest with Doug.

Other athletes, who also took part in the triathlon, have paid their respects on Facebook, with one swimmer stating:

“Douglas Waymark you will NEVER be forgotten by all those who had the fortune to race alongside you… Being talked through the tough times by your incessant, relentless positivity… All of us who are part of the Enduroman family are consoling ourselves with the thought that you died doing what you lived for…”

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