A 15-year-old canoeing athlete died during training at the Hai Duong Province Aquatic Sports and Training Centre on Thursday.

Bach Dang Lake in Hai Duong Province where athlete Pham Gia Phai had an accident and died on March 23. 

Pham Gia Phai and his teammates were practising on Bach Dang Lake before Phai asked for a break because of health problems.

On the way back, about 40m to the shore, his canoe upturned, and Phai fell into the lake and died, although his teammates and rescuers tried their best to save him.

According to coach Le Thi Van, Phai was recruited to the club last November and was training to learn the basic techniques.

Van said athletes who are selected are expected to be good at swimming. 

They are then taught surviving skills, in case they are faced with an upturned boat and fall into the lake.

The case is under investigation. 

VNS