“A serious accident this morning caused the death of a Portuguese athlete, Matthias Sandeck, who was on his second day of the deep sea fishing competition. The 31-year-old Algarvian was part of the National Underwater Fishing Team that is taking part in the 2019 Euro-African Championship in Denmark,” said the organisation in a statement sent to Lusa.

According to the Federation, the causes of the accident “have yet to be ascertained”, but the organisation of the championship in conjunction with the FPAS “are already working to know the circumstances that led to the death of the Portuguese athlete”, who lived in the Algarve.

Matthias Sandeck, an underwater fishing athlete since 2007, together with Jody Lot and Humberto Silva, was part of the new underwater fishing team of the Portimão Naval Club (CNP), formalised in January this year.

This trio have been a national team champion for the past three years, with Matthias Sandeck winning the Atlantic Masters in 2013.

“It is with shock and with deep sadness and dismay that the FPAS became aware of this accident that caused the death of our athlete. The FPAS expresses its deepest condolences to all of his family and friends, expressing deep solidarity and regret at this difficult time” the statement said.