Brazilian surfer Joao Chianca stable in hospital after Pipeline accident
The world number four is reportedly conscious after sustaining a multiple-wave hold-down at The Pipeline on the shore of Oahu on Sunday (3 December).
Surfing
Brazilian surfer Joao Chianca is stable following a significant wipeout while training at the Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore on Sunday (3 December).
The 23-year-old was rescued from the water after an accident caused him to fall unconscious. He was then held underwater by multiple waves - also known as a multiple-wave hold-down'.
In a post on social media, his brother Lucas Chianca, who was present during the accident, said: "My brother is fine, thank God he is stable and conscious. I thank everyone for all their positive energy."
Chianca was reportedly under the water for nearly five minutes before being rescued by a group of North Shore lifeguards. Once brought to shore, the world number four surfer was then transported to a Honolulu hospital where he is currently recovering.
The Pipeline, known as the Banzai Pipeline, is renowned for its shallow reef and is widely considered to be one of the most dangerous surf spots in the world.