The last batch of competitors to take to the water in the annual Sun Moon Lake mass swim yesterday were forced to abandon their effort after organizers called off the event when dark clouds began gathering over the lake.
The organizers sent out lifeboats at 3pm to pick up about 100 swimmers who were attempting the 3km swim across the lake.
They were the last group among more than 25,000 people who were participating this year in the annual event.
Photo: CNA
The swimmers were required to enter the water in groups to prevent overcrowding, but when the last group was close to the finish point at Chaowu Pier at about 2:30pm, black clouds began to gather.
The organizers, fearing a thunderstorm, called off the swim and sent out the lifeboats.
The event in Nantou County started in the morning with crisp weather under blue autumn skies, drawing a record number of 27,138 swimmers from Taiwan and abroad.
The event was launched in 1983.
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