A Lebanese paragliding enthusiast died in a tragic accident on Wednesday, when his glider crashed into the sea off the coast of Jounieh in Beirut. The incident was captured on camera.
According to reports in the Lebanese media, Omar Sanjar, a 45-year-old paragliding champion, was practising aerobatic manoeuvres on Wednesday in preparation for the world championships in Turkey. He was engaged in training on his own..
During the course of his training, the subject's sail became entangled while he was executing a perilous aerobatic manoeuvre, thereby hindering the timely deployment of his parachute. The subject was subsequently discovered in a critical condition, having fallen into the sea at Jounieh.
As stated by the Lebanese Civil Defense, a report was received regarding a paratrooper falling during the performance of acrobatic manoeuvres in the air. Marine rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the site, where they conducted a meticulous search of the surrounding area. After a period of several minutes, the victim was located approximately 15 metres from the shore, and his death was formally confirmed at the scene.
Lebanese security forces swiftly transferred the victim's body to the hospital following the completion of legal procedures.
A state of profound sorrow prevailed among Lebanese paragliding enthusiasts, with a growing clamour for enhanced safety measures during the practice of this perilous sport.